By Marion Malinga 

Match Summary

Kenya 123 all out

Uganda 127/6 19.2/20 overs

Uganda won by 4 wickets

The hosts, following their opening day loss to David Obuya's side, had been itching to exact their revenge! They were presented with that opportunity on Thursday, which opportunity they grabbed with both hands. Despite having a slow start that saw two wickets (Arnold Otwani and Kenneth Waiswa) lost in the first over, Uganda was up to the task.

Engineering the victory, Simon Ssesazi followed his stellar performance against Nigeria on Monday with another. It was another half-century for the all-rounder who opened the batting with Otwani.

Frank Akankwasa (19), Fred Achelam (14), Riazat Ali Shah (13), Dinesh Kumar Nakrani (5) and Deus Muhumuza (4) were the other scorers for Uganda.

Bilal Hassan was a deadly one with the ball bowling out Vraj Patel and Emmanuel Bundi Ringera, and combining with Otwani and Muhumuza to send out Irfan Karim and Gurdeep Bhagat respectively.

The Ugandan coach Mahatlane relished the morning and said;

"One of the biggest things is that we've worked really hard in our processes. I'm excited that we getting them right, we are starting to understand how to play, how to chase. It was a very clinical performance by the boys. I think we are in a good space. We've tried different combinations, we made a lot of changes. We left out some experienced players today, but I thought the youngsters really put up their hands, and I thought Simon Ssesazi was very special. I thought aside from the first game that he really struggled, I thought he showed a lot of class, so I'm excited that not only are we building depth, the boys are also putting performances together."

For Kenya, Alex Obanda (31), as usual, was their go-to man for runs. Rushabhvardan Patel (20), Nelson Odhiambo (19), and Shem Ngoche (13) the other three players with double figures.

Thursday will be a rest day for Uganda, but Kenya will take on Nigeria in a morning encounter.

Kenya will again play Uganda on Friday in the finals as the two rivals bring the curtains down

 

Uganda Pick Up Their Third Win of the Series with 55 Run Win Against Nigeria

Match Summary

Uganda 172/6 20 overs

Nigeria 117/7 20 overs

Uganda won by 55 runs

Uganda ensured Nigeria remain winless in the Pearl of Africa T20 Series with a comfortable 55 run win.

Uganda won the toss and elected to bat 1st, Saud Islam (75) anchored the innings for Uganda will a well-crafted half century. Riazat Ali Shah (59) chipped in with a quick fire knock at the back end of the innings his partnership of 116 runs with Saud Islam ensured that Uganda posted a commanding 172/6 in 20 overs.

In the chase Nigeria failed to engage 1st gear as Henry Ssenyondo (4/14) took care of the top order. With Nigeria railing at 28/5 only Oluwasesan Adedeji (68) ensured that the score line remains respectable.

Uganda picked up their third win of the series and booked a place in the final on Friday.