PRESS RELEASE – Matchday 19 Review
2025 UCA National Men’s 50-Over League
August 12, 2025 – With just two rounds left, Matchday 19 delivered decisive blows in the title race and heartbreak in the relegation battle. Kutchi Tigers matched Ceylon Lions on points to set up a net run rate shootout for the crown, while Wanderers’ fate was sealed with a crushing loss in Entebbe.
DIVISION I – PREMIERSHIP
Sunday, August 10
Tornado Bee Vs Kutchi Tigers – Serenity Oval, Kamengo
Kutchi Tigers: 285/8 (50 overs) | Tornado Bee: 191 all out (28.5 overs, target 268 in 42 overs)
Kutchi Tigers won by 76 runs (DLS Method)
Ashani Runs Riot as Tigers Roar Back into Title Hunt
Kutchi Tigers reignited their championship charge with a statement win over Tornado Bee in Kamengo. Avnish Vekariya (58) laid the foundation before Nandikishor Patel’s composed 69* and Mitul Pindoriya’s quick 37 powered the visitors to 285/8. Only Cyrus Kibukamusoke’s 3/38 managed to stem the flow.
Rain trimmed the Bees’ target to 268 in 42 overs, but their reply was wrecked by Ghanshyam Ashani’s dream spell — 7 wickets for 39 runs in 7.5 overs. Kishankumar Varsani chipped in with 3/44 as the Bees collapsed despite fighting knocks from Anas Baig (81 off 46) and Gerald Olipa (57).
The win leaves Kutchi Tigers level on 20 points with leaders Ceylon Lions, setting up a nail-biting finish.
Player of the Match: Ghanshyam Ashani – 7/39 (7.5 overs)
Wanderers Vs Aboojo – Entebbe Cricket Oval
Wanderers: 147 all out (36.5 overs) | Aboojo: 150/2 (22.4 overs)
Aboojo won by 8 wickets
Baguma Bags Five as Wanderers Suffer Drop
Wanderers’ 2025 nightmare came to an end with relegation confirmed after a ruthless defeat to Aboojo in Entebbe. Perry Wazombe (46) and Fred Achelam (17) were the only sparks in a dim batting display, as Joseph Baguma tore through with 5/37. Mathew Musinguzi (2/45) and Fortunate Alijuna (1/5) kept the squeeze on.
Aboojo’s chase was brisk and brutal. Skipper Brian Asaba led from the front with a fluent 73* off 63 balls, peppered with 4 fours and 4 sixes, while Amos Ahura (50) ensured there were no jitters.
The win secures mid-table comfort for Aboojo, while Wanderers drop to Division Two alongside Avengers CC for the 2026 season.
Player of the Match: Joseph Baguma – 5/37 (9.5 overs)
Standings Snapshot (After Matchday 19)
Division One – Premiership
1. Ceylon Lions – 20 pts (12 matches)
2. Kutchi Tigers – 20 pts (12 matches)
3. JACC – 14 pts (12 matches)
7. Avengers CC – 8 pts (14 matches)
8. Wanderers CC – 8 pts (14 matches)
Notable Performances – Matchday 19
Batting Highlights
• Anas Baig (Tornado Bee) – 81 (46), blistering strike rate despite defeat
• Gerald Olipa (Tornado Bee) – 57, tried to steady the innings in vain
• Avnish Vekariya (Kutchi Tigers) – 58, vital top-order stability
• Nandikishor Patel (Kutchi Tigers) – 69*, anchored the innings and finished strong
• Mitul Pindoriya (Kutchi Tigers) – 37, late-innings impetus
• Brian Asaba (Aboojo) – 73* (63), captain’s knock to seal the chase
• Amos Ahura (Aboojo) – 50, solid opening stand in easy win
• Perry Wazombe (Wanderers) – 46, lone fight in relegation decider
Bowling Highlights
• Ghanshyam Ashani (Kutchi Tigers) – 7/39, devastating match-winning spell
• Kishankumar Varsani (Kutchi Tigers) – 3/44, deadly partner in demolition
• Joseph Baguma (Aboojo) – 5/37, ripped through Wanderers
• Mathew Musinguzi (Aboojo) – 2 wickets, kept pressure from the other end
• Cyrus Kibukamusoke (Tornado Bee) – 3/38, lone bright spot with the ball
FINAL WORD
With two rounds to go, the title race is locked and could be decided by decimal points on the net run rate chart. Kutchi Tigers and Ceylon Lions have everything to play for.
At the other end, Wanderers’ relegation closes a chapter — but perhaps opens the door for a rebuild.
Two rounds. One crown. No second chances.
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