The semifinals of the UG20 2025 at Entebbe treated fans to drama, grit, and two contrasting victories.
Aboojo powered into the final with a spirited, rain-affected win over favourites GM Sugar, while Ismaili Community displayed immense discipline to choke Avengers in a tense low-scoring battle.
Aboojo vs GM Sugar – Entebbe Cricket Oval
Heavy morning rains drenched the outfield and forced the first semifinal into a shortened nine-over-per-side contest. GM Sugar, favourites on paper, won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping the damp conditions would work in their favour.
Their plan began perfectly as Aboojo collapsed to 18/2 in the third over—Brian Asaba caught, and danger man Joseph Baguma removed the very next ball.
But what followed was the partnership that transformed the match.
Pascal Murungi, entering with calm authority, joined Amos Ahura to rebuild.
Amos anchored smartly while Pascal counterpunched with clean, fearless hitting. His spectacular 57 off 26 balls lifted Aboojo to a formidable 94/2, swinging momentum decisively.
GM Sugar’s chase began brightly, with Mehulkumar and Rahul Patel rotating strike and keeping the run rate alive.
For a while, the favourites appeared in control.
Then the fielding brilliance began.
Fortunate Alijuna grabbed two stunning catches at long-on, breaking the chase open.
Brian Asaba returned with the ball to pick up two crucial wickets, and Aboojo’s energy in the field suffocated the batting side.
Runs dried up, pressure mounted, and the chase unraveled. GM Sugar managed 73/5, falling 21 runs short, as Aboojo stormed into the UG20 final with a performance built on resilience, discipline, and Pascal Murungi’s match-winning knock.
Player of the Match: Pascal Murungi – 57 (26), SR 219.23
Avengers vs Ismaili Community – Entebbe Cricket Oval
The second semifinal brought together two Group C rivals in a clash loaded with history and intensity.
Ismaili, strengthened by the return of Riazat Ali Shah, won the toss and chose to bat, intent on dictating the contest.
But trouble struck early—within eight overs, both Kamran Wali Khan and Shehzad Khan had fallen, leaving Ismaili on a shaky 52/2.
Under pressure, Pervaiz Ali produced the innings of the match.
His 40 off 39 balls wasn’t flashy, but it was vital.
He steadied the innings every time a wicket fell, including after the short-lived cameo from Riazat. With partners falling around him, Pervaiz carried Ismaili to a competitive 121, giving their bowlers something to fight for.
Avengers began their chase confidently. Their openers settled quickly, finding gaps and punishing errors. At 35 without loss, the pursuit seemed routine.
Then came the turning point—the first wicket.
It broke rhythm, sparked tension, and invited Ismaili’s bowlers into the contest.
From that moment, the momentum shifted sharply. Ismaili tightened their lines, backed by sharp fielding and suffocating discipline.
Avengers attempted to rebuild but kept losing wickets at key moments.
By the final over, the chase was slipping away.
Avengers finished on 109/7, 12 runs short, as Ismaili erupted in celebration of a gritty, brilliantly defended total.
Player of the Match: Pervaiz Ali – 40 (39), SR 102.56
What to Watch Ahead of the Final
- Will Aboojo’s aggressive batting and sharp fielding carry them to their first UG20 title?
- Can Ismaili Community complete their dream run with one last upset?
- How will the battle between Aboojo’s firepower and Ismaili’s discipline unfold in the final?
As the tournament heads into its grand finale, UG20 2025 continues to deliver gripping narratives, spirited performances, and unforgettable drama—proving once again that in Uganda’s premier cricket showdown, nothing is predictable.
Photos Credits: Batanudde John