Kyoga Avengers were crowned champions of the inaugural Great Lakes T20 2026 after holding their nerve in a tense final-over finish against Bunyonyi Warriors, sealing a 2-wicket victory at Lugogo Cricket Oval.
It was a triumph built not just on the final, but on a campaign defined by resilience, quick recoveries, and timely performances when it mattered most.
Final– Result
Date: 28/05/2026
Venue: Lugogo Cricket Oval
Bunyonyi Warriors vs Kyoga Avengers
Toss: Kyoga Avengers won the toss and elected to bowl
Bunyonyi Warriors: 101/5 (20.0 overs)
Kyoga Avengers: 102/8 (19.3 overs)
Result: Kyoga Avengers won by 2 wickets
Player of the Match: Malisa Ariokot
The final itself was a nervy affair from start to finish. Chasing 102 for glory, Kyoga Avengers were pushed deep into trouble by disciplined bowling from Bunyonyi Warriors, but once again, their calm under pressure proved decisive.
Bunyonyi Warriors had earlier posted 101/5, anchored by Rita Musamali’s 31 and Immaculate Nakisuuyi’s 29, but Kyoga’s bowling unit kept them from breaking away. Malisa Ariokot stood out with the ball, returning 2 wickets for just 11 runs, setting the tone for a controlled defensive effort.
In reply, Kyoga’s chase wobbled early with quick wickets leaving them under pressure. But Malisa Ariokot this time with the bat delivered a match-defining innings of unbeaten 33 off 29 balls, guiding her side through the tense middle overs.
Despite losing wickets around her, Kyoga kept finding just enough runs to stay in the contest before eventually scraping through at 19.3 overs.
It was a finish that summed up their entire tournament journey: never fully comfortable, but always finding a way.
KYOGA AVENGERS – ROAD TO THE TITLE
Kyoga Avengers’ championship story was shaped by highs, setbacks, and crucial bounce-backs that defined their campaign.
They began their journey in dominant fashion edging past Bunyonyi Warriors by 5 wickets in a tight chase of 97. It was an early statement of intent, showing their ability to handle pressure finishes right from the start.
Momentum continued where they produced one of their most complete performances, defeating Mburo Blasters by 21 runs. Defending 50 in a rain-reduced contest, their bowlers held firm to restrict the opposition to just 29/6, reinforcing their growing confidence.
However, their unbeaten run was halted on when they fell to Victoria Strikers by 6 wickets. Despite posting 77/5, Kyoga was overpowered in the chase as their rhythm briefly slipped. It was a setback that tested their response.
True to their character, Kyoga bounced back immediately in the most important way possible.
They met Bunyonyi Warriors again this time in the final. What followed was a tense, low-scoring battle that went down to the wire, but Kyoga held their nerve to chase 102/8 in 19.3 overs and complete their redemption arc as champions.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Best Batter – Malisa Ariokot (Kyoga Avengers)
Best Bowler – Naume Jane Amongin (Victoria Strikers)
MVP – Immaculate Nakisuuyi (Bunyonyi Warriors)
CLOSING CEREMONY REMARKS
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Cricket Uganda Women’s Representative Leria Namaganda said:
We learn a lot from the Kyoga story.
From early dominance to a mid-tournament setback and finally a championship-winning finish, Kyoga Avengers’ Great Lakes T20 2026 journey was a story of resilience under pressure, ending with them lifting the trophy after the most demanding of campaigns.
This tournament underlines the development of women’s cricket in the country.
I thank management and the board for continuously supporting the growth of women’s cricket in the country. Such tournaments are gold dust.