Time -10:30am
Venue: Kyambogo Oval
Umpires: Grace Mutyagaba & James Bamulese, George Ekochu (Match Ref)
Scorer: Dalphine Namubiru
Strikers CC Form: L W
Ceylon Lions CC Form: L
This will be the biggest clash of the weekend, two sides with youthful attacking players meeting at Kyambogo oval.
Strikers CC has already breached the 200 run mark this season thanks to a middle and late order recovery in Entebbe against KICC and backed it up with an economical bowling effort and an energetic fielding display.
The Ceylon Lions ‘won’ the game on the field but lost it on a technicality; having not submitted their 2018 squad list no time to the Secretariat. An absurd end to a clinical on field performance.
Strikers CC All Rounder Derrick Bakunzi;
“It feels great beating a powerhouse like Challengers in Division 1. It gave us a lot of confidence in our fight to stay up in Division 1. My innings I felt was worth it because Thawithemwira needed a partner and we needed to stop wickets falling. We want to build on the momentum from our big win”
Ceylon Lions Captain Lawrence Ssempijja; We are coming strong once again, all the lads are in good form. KICC showed us they are weak in fighting for what they don’t deserve”
Players to Watch;
Arnold Otwani, Simon Ssesazi and Agaba Eddie;
The Ceylon Lions top order will be the key in this tie; Eddie batting at the very important one drop must anchor the innings if the Lions look to bat the game beyond the reach of the Strikers.
Miyagi Juma and Aarya Parikh;
The two youngest players of the side both crossed from Nile C.C where they were frontline bowlers in 2017 but their first outing for the Lions was way below par. This could be put down to early season and new team jitters but their ability is undoubted.
Perry Wazombe, Ivan Thawithemwira and Derrick Bakunzi;
When Perry gets going, he is destructive and effective, Strikers CC will be looking for his momentum at the top of the order, Ivan joined the side in good form and a good number to hold the innings together while Derrick Bakunzi finally found some time at the crease, and put it to fairly good use with 35 off 53 deliveries.
These three will be key for the Strikers.
Frank Akankwasa, Rogers Olipa and Siraje Nsubuga;
The three Under 19 bowlers were instrumental in taking down Challengers CC in Entebbe. Captain Akankwasa has been consistent and an ever present threat with ball in hand, turning in good performances against Aziz Damani and Challengers CC.
Siraji and Olipa have played well in supporting roles but will be required to rise to the occasion against the exciting Lions line up.
An exciting tie that promises big runs and big moments and a very big win; Lions desperately need one