Uganda Complete Double Over Botswana In Kigali

The Cricket Cranes moved closer to the ILT20 Continent Cup final after defeating Botswana by five wickets at Gahanga Main Oval, with Charles Musemeza starring with 39 off 25 balls.

The Cricket Cranes moved another step closer to the ILT20 Continent Cup final after defeating Botswana by five wickets at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium Main Oval in Kigali on Wednesday, September 16.

Fiery Spell. Cosmas Kyewuta sends down another delivery during his three-wicket spell as Uganda put Botswana under pressure at Gahanga.

Uganda, who won the toss and elected to bowl on an unpredictable surface, restricted Botswana to 119 for eight from their 20 overs before chasing down the target in just 15 overs to secure their fifth victory of the tournament.

The result takes Uganda to 10 points from six matches, keeping the Cricket Cranes second in the standings behind unbeaten Kenya, who have 12 points. Rwanda are third on eight points from seven matches.

With the top two teams advancing to Saturday’s final, Uganda now face two crucial remaining round-robin matches against hosts Rwanda and Kenya.

Bowlers Strike Early

Uganda’s bowlers made an immediate impact after captain Riazat Ali Shah won the toss and chose to put Botswana into bat.

Slow left-arm orthodox Matthew Musinguzi struck with the first legal delivery of the match, removing Monroux Kasselman for a golden duck.

Steady Finish. Kenneth Waiswa stayed unbeaten alongside captain Riazat Ali Shah as Uganda completed a five-wicket victory over Botswana.

Uganda continued to apply pressure during the powerplay, taking three wickets as Botswana struggled to establish a platform.

Vinoo Balakrishnan provided some resistance with 36 from 28 balls, including three fours and two sixes, but his dismissal in the 11th over left Botswana in further trouble.

Abel Botlhe Keganne, however, kept the Zebras fighting with a composed 42 from 47 balls, striking four fours and one six. He found useful support from Katlo Piet, who remained unbeaten on 20 from 17 deliveries, as Botswana reached 119 for eight at the end of their 20 overs.

Joseph Baguma and Cosmas Kyewuta led Uganda’s attack with three wickets each. Baguma finished with three for 20 from four overs, while Kyewuta claimed three for 26 from his four-over spell. Musinguzi and Enock Kasaija added one wicket apiece.

Musemeza Leads The Chase

Uganda’s chase was not entirely straightforward, but the Cricket Cranes maintained their attacking approach to reach 125 for five in 15 overs.

Sensible Charge. Robinson Obuya attacked Botswana’s bowling during his brisk 32 as Uganda began their pursuit of 120 at Gahanga.

Robinson Obuya provided the early impetus with a brisk 32 from 22 balls, including five fours and a six.

Charles Musemeza then continued his excellent tournament with 39 from just 25 deliveries, striking three fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 156.

Gerald Olipa added another burst of acceleration, smashing 19 from eight balls, including two sixes and a four.

Botswana’s Katlo Piet claimed four of Uganda’s five wickets, but the damage had already been done.

Captain Riazat Ali Shah contributed an unbeaten 17 from 17 balls, while vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa finished the chase alongside him with an unbeaten 13 from 14 deliveries.

Uganda reached 125 for five after 15 overs, winning by five wickets with 30 balls remaining.

Topsy-Turvy. There was a stop-start drizzle affair during the match. But despite the late start, all the overs of the game were played.

Two Derbies To Decide Uganda’s Fate

The Cricket Cranes now turn their attention to hosts Rwanda, whom they face on Thursday, before meeting unbeaten Kenya on Friday morning.

Rwanda enter the clash with momentum after defeating Sierra Leone by six wickets in their latest outing, while Kenya remain unbeaten at the top of the table.

Uganda’s victory over Botswana has strengthened their position in the qualification race, but the final two round-robin fixtures will provide the biggest test of their campaign.

The Cricket Cranes currently have 10 points from six matches, with Kenya on 12 and Rwanda on eight.

With only the top two teams qualifying for the final, Uganda will need to maintain their momentum in the two remaining derbies.

Calm & Collected. Captain Riazat Ali Shah kept his composure as he guided the Cricket Cranes towards victory with an unbeaten 17 against Botswana.

ILT20 CONTINENT CUP

Game Six – Match Summary

Botswana 119/8 (20 overs)

Abel Botlhe Keganne 42, Vinoo Balakrishnan 36, Katlo Piet 20*; Joseph Baguma 3/20, Cosmas Kyewuta 3/26.

Uganda 125/5 (15 overs)

Charles Musemeza 39, Robinson Obuya 32, Gerald Olipa 19, Riazat Ali Shah 17*, Kenneth Waiswa 13*; Katlo Piet 4/24.

Uganda won by 5 wickets

Player of the Match: Charles Musemeza

Points Table

Team                     M       W       L        Pts     NRR

Kenya                      6          6          0          12        +3.477

Uganda                    6          5          1          10        +3.761

Rwanda                   7          4          3          8          +1.233

Botswana                 6          1          5          2          -2.614

Sierra Leone             7          0          7          0          -5.020

NEXT FIXTURE – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Uganda vs. Rwanda, 10.30am

Venue: Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali

Competition: ILT20 Continent Cup

Qualification: Only the top two teams advance to the final.

ILT20 CONTINENT CUP CHAMPIONS

2023 — Uganda, Nairobi

2024 — Uganda, Kigali

2025 — Tournament not held

2026 — ????

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