2025 UCA NATIONAL MEN’S 50 OVER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 18 REVIEW
Sunday, August 3rd, 2025
As the UCA Men’s 50 Over League hit the home stretch, Matchday 18 brought with it high stakes, tactical masterclasses, and playoff-deciding drama. While Ceylon Lions held firm in the Division One title race, Rounders completed a resounding season double, and Kutchi Tigers B surged into the Division Two playoff conversation. Even a walkover shaped the playoff landscape.
DIVISION ONE – PREMIERSHIP
Ceylon Lions vs Tornado Bee – Lugogo Cricket Oval
Ceylon Lions Edge Tornado Bee in Thriller to Stay Top of the Table
In a high-octane affair at Lugogo, Ceylon Lions edged Tornado Bee by a tense 9-run margin to remain top of the log.
Batting first, the Lions posted 234 all out in 44.5 overs, led by Charles Musemeza (47) and Frank Nsubuga (43). Muhammad Umar Ali starred with the ball, claiming an impressive 5-wicket haul that had Lions under pressure.
The Bees’ reply was fueled by Jonathan Ssebanja’s explosive 79 off 76 balls, but Gaurav Tomar’s crucial 3 wickets halted the charge. With just 10 runs needed and one wicket in hand, Collins Abong delivered the final blow by bowling out tail-ender John Mpande to seal the win.
Player of the Match: Muhammad Umar Ali (5 wickets)
Rounders vs Avengers – Entebbe Cricket Oval
Rounders Complete Season Double Over Avengers with 51-Run Win
Rounders CC showcased all-round dominance to beat Avengers CC by 51 runs, securing their second win over them this season.
Opting to bat, Rounders piled up 236/4 in 50 overs, with Steven Wabwose anchoring with 80 off 128 balls. Lower-order runs from Oscar Mwanishimwe (47)* and Calvin Watuwa (39)* pushed the total beyond par.
Avengers’ chase was shaky despite Pius Oloka’s fighting 88. Siraje Nsubuga (3/34) and the duo of Zubair Tembo and Brian Masaba applied the brakes, bundling the Avengers out for 185 in 40.4 overs.
Player of the Match: Steven Wabwose (80 runs)
DIVISION TWO – CHAMPIONSHIP
Soroti City CC vs Kutchi Tigers B – Florida Oval
Varsani’s Six-Fer Propels Tigers B into Playoffs with 83-Run D/L Win
Kutchi Tigers B dismantled Soroti City CC in a rain-affected contest, winning by 83 runs (DLS) and virtually securing a playoff spot.
Batting first in a reduced 29-over match, the Tigers posted 153/4, with key contributions from Deepesh Hirani (35), Mayur Hirani (35), and Varsani Bharat (33).
Set a revised target of 181, Soroti City faltered despite Hillary Kuteesa’s 50. The innings was wrecked by a sensational 6/13 from Varsani Bharat, with Chintan Kerai also picking two wickets.
Player of the Match: Varsani Bharat (6/13 & 33)*
Entale vs Patidar – Serenity Oval, Kamengo
Walkover Win Keeps Patidar in Playoff Picture
Patidar were awarded a walkover win after Entale failed to show up at Serenity Oval. The free points keep Patidar Samaj’s faint playoff hopes alive in Group B.
STANDINGS SNAPSHOT – AFTER MATCHDAY 18
Division One – Premiership
Rank Team Matches Points
1 Ceylon Lions 12 20
2 Kutchi Tigers 11 18
3 JACC 12 14
Division Two – Championship
Group A: Nile (9 points, 6 matches), Kutchi Tigers B (8 points, 5 matches), Soroti City 8 points, 6 matches)
Group B: GM Sugar (14 points, 7 matches), Mukono Warriors (10 points, 7 matches), SKLPS (8 points, 7 matches)
FINAL WORD
Matchday 18 served up playoff chess at its finest. Ceylon Lions stayed in pole position, Rounders flexed their late-season muscle, and Kutchi Tigers B made a loud playoff statement with a demolition job at Florida Oval.
With only a handful of matches remaining, the league hangs delicately in the balance. One dropped catch, one flying edge, one final over — all could shape the destiny of the 2025 UCA season.
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