SKLPS 180 all out in 37 overs (Meghji Kara 47 (67), Collins Okwalinga 3/38 in 7 overs, Aggrey Kintu 2/18 in 7 overs) lost to Africa CC 184/9 in 46.5 overs (John Ilukor 59 (59), Richard Lwamafa 39 (44), Meghji Kara 3/37 in 10 overs, Dinesh Vekariya 2/32 in 8 overs) by 1 wicket.
Man of Match: John Ilukor 59 (59)
Old is gold so goes the old English adage and Africa Cricket Club will have their old boys to thank for dodging a bullet in their tense one-wicket win over Shree Kutch Leva Patel Samaj (SKLPS) in the Jazz Safari National Cricket League’s Division II opener at Jinja SS Oval.
Returning Richard Okia may not get many mentions in the mainstream media for his contribution on his return to the oldest club in Uganda but it was all about him and his ‘brother’ Johnnie Illukor as ACC scrapped over the line.
ACC have been trying to get back to the topflight for first time in five years and their manager Sylvester Rokani pulled off a ‘mini-heist’ by getting their golden era boys back in the mix.
SKLPS won the toss and battled for 37 overs. They were however helped through their pain barrier moments by the ACC bowlers who hurled down 60 free runs in extras.
Meghji Kara 47 runs off 67 balls and Ajay Hiran 19 off 28 made their stays in the middle worthwhile as they reached 180 with Collins Okwalinga (3 for 38 in 7) and Aggrey Kintu (2 for 18 in 7) shared five scalps.
ACC were on course for an easy win a la stroll in the park on 141 for 5 in 36.4 overs but they connived to steal defeat from the jaws of victory.
They lost four wickets in super quick time and at 175 for 9 in 44.3 overs were on the brink of defeat.
But Okia stood firm at one end with a pedestrian but yet match winning unbeaten 54-ball innings worth a priceless 16 runs alongside last man Okwalinga (1 not out off 7 balls).
Credit goes to Ilukor for his run-a-ball 59 and captain Richard Lwamafa’s 39 runs off 44 balls, who managed to weather the storm from Kara (3 for 37) and Dinesh Vekariya (2 for 32).