Warriors Clinch Nail-Biter, Trekkers Crush Titans
The opening day of the Mukono T20 Cup delivered the perfect blend of dominance, drama, and down-to-the-wire finishes.
From Lugazi Trekkers’ commanding all-round show to the Njeru Warriors’ nerve-wracking chase, fans were treated to a memorable start to the tournament.
Lugazi Trekkers vs Kayunga Titans – Afternoon Game
Toss: Lugazi Trekkers won the toss and elected to bat
Lugazi Trekkers: 104/1 in 10 overs
Kayunga Titans: 83/5 in 10 overs
Result: Lugazi Trekkers won by 21 Runs
The Lugazi Trekkers produced a complete all-round performance to overpower the Kayunga Titans.
Despite losing Amos Ahura early for just 2 runs, the Trekkers quickly settled through a brilliant stand between Jaffer Ochaya and captain Christopher Kidega. Jaffer’s fluent 41 off 25 balls mixed clean strokeplay with smart aggression, while Kidega controlled the innings masterfully with an unbeaten 50 off 33.
Their partnership powered Lugazi to a strong total of 104/1 in 10 overs, aided by disciplined running and 11 extras.
The Titans began their chase positively through captain Brian Asaba and the in-form Martin Bwogi. Martin’s explosive 31 off 17 balls, highlighted by three towering sixes, kept the crowd alive with hope.
But momentum shifted when Jaffer Ochaya removed both Martin and Alijuna Fortunate, tightening the screws.
The decisive impact came from Akena Innocent, whose exceptional spell of 3/8 tore through the Titans’ middle order.
Late attempts from Brain Lwanga and Chadia Alex could not counter the climbing run rate, and tight bowling in the final overs sealed the Titans’ fate at 83/5.
Lugazi’s combination of composed batting, sharp bowling, and sustained pressure earned them a deserved 21-run victory.
Player of the Match: Jaffer Ochaya
41 runs (25 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes, SR 164.00); 2 overs, 17 runs, 2 wickets, Econ 8.50
Buikwe Gladiators vs Njeru Warriors – Afternoon Game
Toss: Njeru Warriors won the toss and elected to bowl
Buikwe Gladiators: 90/9 in 20 overs
Njeru Warriors: 92/7 in 18.5 overs
Result: Njeru Warriors won by 3 Wickets
The afternoon clash brought its own brand of intensity as the Buikwe Gladiators worked to defend a modest total of 90.
Their innings was unsettled and inconsistent, punctuated only by short bursts of resistance from Cyrus Kakuru and Musa Majid.
The standout performer with the ball was Njeru Warriors’ spearhead Yunus Sowobi, whose devastating five-wicket haul dismantled the Gladiators and set the tone perfectly for his side.
Chasing 91, Njeru stumbled into turbulence as Kasim Adam ripped through their top order, leaving them in deep trouble at 25/4.
Captain Nuwagaba Edwin stepped up in the pressure, crafting a steady and crucial 37 off 33 to revive the innings.
Just as Njeru seemed to settle, the game twisted again when Ashraf Lujya bowled a brilliant maiden over in the 18th, tightening the contest and igniting Buikwe’s hopes.
With nerves high and runs still needed, Francis Ejok became the late hero.
After a stretch of dot balls and disciplined Gladiators bowling, he cracked a vital boundary in the 19th over to reduce the target to three.
On the very next ball, Ejok sealed the game with another cleanly struck four, lifting the Warriors to a spirited three-wicket win after a tense and dramatic chase.
Player of the Match: Edwin Nuwagaba
37 runs (33 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes, SR 112.12); 4 overs, 21 runs conceded, Econ 5.25
Summary
Day One of the Mukono T20 Cup showcased the full drama and unpredictability of T20 cricket. The Lugazi Trekkers imposed themselves with a dominant all-round display, while the Njeru Warriors dug deep to complete one of the most gripping chases of the tournament so far. If this opening day is a preview of what’s ahead, fans can expect a thrilling competition filled with standout performances, fierce battles, and unforgettable moments.
Day Two promises fresh excitement with the Buvuma Sailors facing Mukono Development in the morning and the Buikwe Gladiators taking on the Kayunga Titans in the afternoon.
Fans can anticipate more tactical battles, breakout performances, and nail-biting finishes as the Mukono T20 Cup builds momentum toward an unforgettable season.