Nsonga Royals held their nerve in a tense finish to edge Ssenyi Warriors and clinch the inaugural edition of the Sabula T20 Cricket Challenge 2026title, sealing a dramatic two-wicket victory in the final played at Florida Cricket Ground.
FINAL RESULT
Ssenyi Warriors vs Nsonga Royals
Toss: Ssenyi Warriors won the toss and elected to bat
Ssenyi Warriors: 94 all out (17.3 overs)
Nsonga Royals: 95/8 (18.3 overs)
Result: Nsonga Royals won by 2 wickets
Player of the Match: Abdul Shakur Doka
At the Florida cricket ground, the tournament concluded with a gripping contest that reflected the competitive spirit of the Sabula T20 Cricket Challenge.
Ssenyi Warriors, having won the toss, opted to bat first but found themselves under pressure early as the Royals’ bowlers kept things tight.
Edgar Mudoola fell in the opening over, setting the tone for a challenging innings.
Derrick Oketcho tried to stabilize the innings with a steady 19 off 22 balls, while Nasur Damadi chipped in with 10, including a lone six.
Late resistance came from Julius Bwogi, who struck a quick 16 from 11 balls with a boundary and a six to push the total forward.
However, regular breakthroughs from the Royals stopped the Warriors from building momentum.
Peter Ocen led the charge with an impressive three wickets, while Mahad Ssekito and Abdul Shakur Doka each picked up two scalps.
Their disciplined bowling effort ensured Ssenyi Warriors were bowled out for 94 in 17.3 overs.
Chasing a modest target of 95, Nsonga Royals endured a shaky start.
Mahad Ssekito was trapped early, and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as the Warriors’ bowlers fought hard to defend their total.
Emmanuel Twijukye provided early momentum with a brisk 13 off 12 balls, while Emmanuel Okwalinga added a valuable 14 from just nine deliveries to keep the chase alive.
At 71 for 7, the match hung in the balance, with Ssenyi Warriors sensing an opportunity to snatch victory.
The defining moment came through Abdul Shakur Doka, whose composed 29 from 26 balls steadied the Royals’ innings at a crucial stage.
Though he eventually fell with just four runs required, the damage had been done.
Mutwalib Mustapha remained calm under pressure, finishing unbeaten on 9 as Christian Mulindwa stayed alongside him to guide the Royals across the line at 95 for 8 in 18.3 overs, sparking celebrations among the Nsonga Royals camp.
The triumph capped a remarkable journey for Nsonga Royals.
After finishing third on the six-team table in the double round-robin stage with 10 points from 10 matches, they produced their best cricket in the knockout rounds.
In the rain-reduced five-over semifinal, the Royals posted a commanding 59 before bowling out Kitamba Sunrisers for just 30 to seal a convincing 29-run victory and book their place in the final.
Their resilience and composure ultimately paid off in the championship match, where they held their nerve to lift the inaugural edition Sabula T20 Cricket Challenge 2026 trophy.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Best Batter & Player of the Series – Robert Owili (Kitamba Sunrisers)
Best Bowler – Tom Adupu (Katosi Strikers)
Best Fielder – Nathan Sserunjoji (Katosi Strikers)
Tom Adupu and Robert Owili