Asian Grills were crowned the ‘Cricket Under the Lights’ tournament champions following a high-stakes final victory over Afridi XI, capping off an action-packed weekend of 5-over tape ball cricket action at Lugogo Cricket Oval.
The tournament brought together teams for a fast-paced, high-intensity competition across three days of fixtures, including knockout semifinals and a grand final under the night sky.
Asian Grills established their title credentials early in the competition, balancing clinical run chases with defensive discipline.
In the final, they demonstrated their tactical depth with a decisive 14-run victory against Afridi XI after setting a target of 57/2.
Earlier, they had excelled with commanding performances against Shahzad Legends – including a 35-run win – and a swift 9-wicket victory over Friends of Cricket.
Arguably, Asian Grills held their nerve in a high-pressure environment to overcome Afridi XI and secure the championship title.
While Asian Grills took home the silverware, the tournament delivered explosive team performances across the board.
Afridi XI showcased remarkable firepower throughout their run to the final, setting the weekend’s highest team total with a staggering 118/2 in 5 overs against Friends of Cricket.
They also registered one of the most dominant defensive displays, holding C.M.C to just 4/5 while defending 70 runs.
Meanwhile, C.M.C stunned opposition units with unparalleled efficiency in run chases, executing three separate 10-wicket blowout victories against Shahzad Legends, Friends of Cricket, and eventual champions Asian Grills.
Shahzad Legends, Pak Lanka Tigers, Chitral Markhor, and Friends of Cricket also contributed heavily to the tournament’s electric atmosphere, maintaining relentless pressure and delivering competitive encounters across the weekend.
Speaking on the impact of the tournament, Cricket Uganda Honorary Secretary Denis Musali emphasized the board’s vision for short-format night cricket: “We hope to grow this product so that as many people as possible fall in love with it; this is one of the key innovations that will help us continuously improve the popularity and reach of the game in Uganda.”
The success of the ‘Cricket Under the Lights’ night tournament was made possible through the generous support of dedicated sponsors and tournament partners.
Cricket Uganda extends its sincere gratitude to Lycamobile, Mukuru International Money Transfers, and Made in Uganda for their invaluable backing.
Their commitment to supporting local sport ensured a seamlessly organised spectacle that entertained fans and elevated short-format cricket at the Lugogo Cricket Oval.