Victoria Strikers completed a remarkable comeback to win the 2026 Great Lakes Men’s T20 tournament title at Lugogo Cricket Oval on Saturday.
Heading into the final day, many expected Kyoga Avengers or Mburo Blasters to emerge champions. But a combination of results and Victoria’s own determination saw the Strikers claim the crown after winning four consecutive matches.
Their hopes received a major boost earlier in the day when Bunyonyi Warriors defeated Kyoga Avengers by 67 runs, leaving the title race wide open.
Victoria Strikers then produced their best performance of the tournament, defeating Mburo Blasters by 44 runs in a high-scoring contest.
- Victoria Strikers 215/2 in 20 Overs
- Mburo Blasters 171/5 in 20 Overs
Victoria Strikers won by 44 runs
The foundation for victory was laid by Simon Ssesazi, who delivered a superb unbeaten 116 off 61 balls. His innings, which included 10 fours and eight sixes, guided Victoria Strikers to 215 for two in 20 overs.
Ssesazi first shared a 96-run stand with Perry Wazombe, who made 39. He then combined with Kenneth Waiswa, whose explosive 47 off 22 balls helped the Strikers accelerate in the closing overs and push the total beyond 200.
Faced with a target of 216, Mburo Blasters needed a strong start but lost Fahad Mutagana early. Charles Musemeza struck 39 off 26 balls to keep the chase moving, but wickets at key moments slowed their progress.
Steven Wabwose fought hard with an unbeaten 79 from 46 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and two sixes, but lacked enough support from the other end as the required rate continued to climb.
Victoria’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings. Oloka Pius led the attack with two wickets for 25 runs, while Jaffer Ochaya, Mukisa Eric and Musinguzi Mathew claimed a wicket each.
Mburo Blasters finished on 171 for five, handing Victoria Strikers a convincing 44-run victory. For a team that started the day relying on other results to stay in contention, the title seemed unlikely.
But with four straight wins and a memorable century from the Man of the match Ssesazi in the decisive match, Victoria Strikers turned hope into glory and were crowned 2026 Great Lakes Men’s T20 champions.
Individual Awards
- Best Batter – Charles Musemeza
- Best Wicket Taker – Kassim Adam
- Most Valuable Player – Gerald Olipa
