Toss: Aboojo CC won the toss and elected to bowl
Score: Ismaili CC 148/10 (20.0 overs); Aboojo CC 125/8 (20.0 overs)
Result: Ismaili CC won by 23 runs
Player of the Match: Riazat Ali Shah – 41 (28) with 1 four, 3 sixes, part of a 67-run stand; 4 overs, 3/21 (Econ 5.25)
Under the bright Entebbe sky, the UG20 2025 Final unfolded in front of a vibrant crowd armed with drums, vuvuzelas, and unmissable excitement.
Aboojo CC won the toss and opted to bowl first—a decision that yielded early rewards.
Lindon Mutengesa struck in the 4th over to dismiss Shehzad Khan, handing Aboojo a strong start.
The pressure mounted when Joseph Baguma added another wicket in the 7th over, tightening the screws on Ismaili CC.
The tide turned when captain Riazat Ali Shah stepped in at number four.
Together with the composed Kamran Wali Khan, he rebuilt the innings through a determined 67-run partnership for the third wicket.
Kamran held firm with a gritty 40 off 45, while Riazat ignited the innings with a sparkling 41 off 28, including three towering sixes that thrilled the spectators.
Just as Ismaili looked set for a commanding finish, Baguma returned in the 15th over to remove Riazat. What followed was a collapse—Junaid fell soon after, and a string of run-outs derailed their momentum.
From a promising 119/5, Ismaili CC were bowled out for 148, setting up a tense chase.
Aboojo’s reply began in disarray. Off the very first ball, Fortunate Alijuna was bowled by Riazat, and in quick succession, Baguma and Pascal Murungi departed, leaving Aboojo struggling at 15/3. After six overs they were 36/2, attempting to rebuild.
Ivan Thawithemwira and Amos Ahura offered hope with a stabilizing stand, guiding their team to 72/3 after 11 overs.
At that point, Aboojo needed 81 from 60 balls—challenging, but still within reach.
Thawi’s well-crafted 31 off 24 ended at the close of the 12th over, and shortly after, Ahura’s patient 34 also came to an end.
With 53 required from the final 24 balls, the pressure mounted. Captain Brian Asaba fought valiantly with an unbeaten 28*, but the rate proved too steep.
Aboojo faltered in the final overs, finishing on 125/8 and falling short by 23 runs.
Ismaili CC’s victory was anchored by Riazat’s outstanding all-round performance, supported by Kamran and Ghulam Hunzai, who claimed two wickets each.
As the sun dipped behind the Entebbe Oval, Ismaili CC celebrated champions forged through grit, composure, and a final that will long echo in UG20 history.
After the match, Riazat expressed his delight:
I am happy that I just flew into the country, played in the semis, and managed to win in the finals.
He also praised Aboojo CC’s contribution beyond the field:
Aboojo has given back so much to the community, and credit goes to Ivan Thawi for the great work he is doing in Fort Portal. Their 12-year journey has been remarkable.
The final was officiated by two top-tier umpires with extensive experience at high-level competitions.
Individual Awards
- Best Bowler: Yashashvi Joshi (Avengers) – 17 wickets
- Best Batter: Mehulkumar Chhotubhai Patel (GM Sugar) – 387 runs
- MVP: Gulamu Hunzai (Ismaili) – 875 points
