KICC 89 all out in 24.3 overs (Wassim Butt 17 (29), Suleman Sharif 17 (27), David Wabwire (5/25 in 7.3 overs) lost to Challengers 90/5 in 18.5 overs (Steven Wabwose 38 (53), Faisal Hussein 29 (36), Suleman Sharif (3/20 in 5 overs) by 5 wickets
Man of Match: David Wabwire 5/25 in 7.3 overs
Kampala Institute of Cricket Clubs (KICC) ran into a well-oiled Challengers machine that run over them in both clubs’ opening tie as the latter eased home by five wickets.
The lakeside oval wicket in Entebbe is historically known to have some demons over the years and KICC captain Hanumant Katkar must have been left cursing his decision to bat first on the ‘acidic’ wicket that has always given palpable assistance to bowlers early on in the innings.
His new signing, the big-hitting Wassim Butt and stroke-maker Suleman Sharif could only manage 17 runs apiece with fiery paceman David Wabwire wreaking havoc and making his presence felt with a fiver.
The chase was always going to be one-way traffic but Sharif gave KICC a chance to dream of the impossible with three quick scalps as Challengers struggled at 12 for 4.
Fresh from the Cricket Cranes Tour of Gujarati, left-hander Steve Wabwose calmed the storm and remained unbeaten with a cultured knock of 38 runs off 53 balls.
Faisal Hussein fell for a 36-ball 29 but he had done enough to take title-hopefuls Challengers across the line in 18.5 overs.
