The group stage of the UG20 2025 came to a dramatic close over the weekend, producing high scores, rain disruptions, and standout individual displays that sealed the fate of teams heading into the knockout phase.
After weeks of intense competition across Uganda’s cricket ovals, the top eight teams booking their tickets to the quarter-finals are: GM Sugar, Wanderers CC, Aboojo CC, Rounders CC, Avengers CC, Ismaili Community CC, Kutchi Tigers CC, and Ceylon Lions.
At the GM Sugar Oval, the home side ended the group stage in explosive form. Bhaveshbhai Patel’s blistering 72 off 37 balls helped GM Sugar post 159/7 before defending strongly to beat Wanderers CC by 42 runs.
The afternoon match was even more dominant, Mehulkumar Patel’s unbeaten 133 and Bhavikkumar Patel’s 60 powered them to 217/1.
Despite spirited knocks from Abdul Basit Habib (75) and Perry Wazombe (60), Wanderers managed only 153/8.
The twin wins ensured GM Sugar topped Group A with 14 points, with Wanderers joining them in the quarters on 10 points.
Aboojo CC maintained their unbeaten run, hammering Kutchi Tigers B twice in emphatic fashion.
Joseph Baguma starred with the ball while Pascal Murungi stole the show with explosive fifties in both games including a rapid 46 off 6.3 overs in one chase.
Aboojo finished top of Group B with 13 points, while Rounders CC followed closely with 12, their consistency through earlier rounds earning them a well-deserved quarter-final berth.
At Jinja SS Oval, Ismaili Community CC delivered back-to-back wins over Jinja SS CC to secure their qualification.
Pervaiz Ali’s 77, supported by brilliant spells from Nazim Punjwani and Junaid Khan, led Ismaili to victory in the morning game.
They sealed the deal in the afternoon as Punjwani struck again with four wickets, while Ali and Kamran Wali Khan guided them home with composure.
The commanding double confirmed Ismaili’s spot among the top eight.
At Serenity Oval, Ceylon Lions produced one of the most dominant performances of the tournament.
Hamu Kayondo’s majestic 126 and Ronald Omara’s 74 powered them to 226/1 before Srihith Hambi’s six-wicket haul and Lav Shah’s three dismantled Patidar CC for 59 (DLS).
The 157-run victory was a statement of intent as the Lions advanced from Group D with 10 points, behind group leaders Kutchi Tigers CC (16 points).
Elsewhere, JACC chased down Tornado CC’s 119/4 thanks to Eddie Agaba (39) and Paul Mulongo (29), while rain curtailed the second fixture.
Tornado Bees also wrapped up their campaign with a 15-run win over KC Budo, courtesy of disciplined bowling led by Simon Ssesazi and Aziz Tandia.
With the dust settled, the UG20 2025 Quarter-Finals promise high drama and top-tier cricketing action. GM Sugar and Kutchi Tigers CC, the group leaders, enter as favorites,
