Olipa, Bowlers Star As Uganda Breeze Past Sierra Leone
The Cricket Cranes bounced back from their Migingo Derby defeat with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Sierra Leone, bowling them out for 55 before racing to 56/2 in just seven overs at Gahanga Main Oval.
The Cricket Cranes responded emphatically to their Migingo Derby defeat, bowling Sierra Leone out for just 55 before cruising to an eight-wicket victory in the second round of the ILT20 Continent Cup at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali.
Uganda, who had suffered their first defeat of the tournament against Kenya in their previous outing, produced a dominant all-round performance to dismiss Sierra Leone in 17.4 overs before reaching their target of 56 in just seven overs.
The victory moves Uganda to eight points from five matches, keeping the Cricket Cranes second in the standings behind unbeaten Kenya as the race for the final intensifies.
Bowlers set the tone
After losing the toss and being asked to bowl first, Uganda’s bowlers immediately put Sierra Leone under pressure. The Patriots struggled to build partnerships and were eventually bowled out for 55 in 17.4 overs, with wickets shared across the Cricket Cranes attack.
Young Gerald Olipa, bowling his off-spinners for the first time at the international level, was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for just 15 runs from 2.4 overs, including one maiden.
Joseph Baguma returned two for 18 from four overs, while Enock Kasaija claimed two for 15 from three overs. Kenneth Waiswa also took two wickets, conceding just eight runs from his two overs, while Matthew Musinguzi picked up one wicket for 11 runs from his four overs. Captain Riazat Ali Shah completed his two-over spell for 12 runs.
Sierra Leone’s innings never recovered after they slipped to 13 for two in the fourth over. Raymond Coker top-scored with 14 from 27 balls, while Aliya Kamara made 11 from nine as Uganda’s disciplined bowling attack continued to chip away at the Patriots’ batting line-up.
Olipa powers quick chase
Uganda’s chase began with an early setback when Anas Mirza Baig was dismissed for a duck from the first ball.
However, Robinson Obuya and T20I debutant Fahad Mutagana steadied the innings before Olipa arrived to finish the contest in explosive fashion. Obuya remained unbeaten on 20 from 22 balls, hitting three fours, while Mutagana scored 10 from 10 balls before falling with Uganda on 21.
Olipa then took control, smashing an unbeaten 21 from just nine deliveries, including three fours and a six at a strike rate of 233.33. His late assault ensured Uganda reached 56 for two in seven overs to complete an emphatic eight-wicket victory. Olipa was subsequently named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round contribution.
Cranes respond in style
The victory was a strong response from the Cricket Cranes after Kenya ended their unbeaten run with an eight-wicket victory in the Migingo Derby.
Uganda had opened their campaign with wins over Sierra Leone, Botswana and hosts Rwanda before the Kenya defeat. The latest performance restored confidence and demonstrated the team’s ability to respond quickly after a setback.
The youthful squad continues to provide valuable competition and exposure ahead of next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in Nigeria. The contributions of Olipa, Obuya and Mutagana, coupled with the disciplined bowling display, provided further encouragement for the technical team.
Botswana next
The Cricket Cranes have little time to rest, with Botswana their next opponents on tomorrow morning at 10:30am at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium.
Uganda currently occupy second place with eight points from five matches, while Kenya lead with 12 points from six games.
Rwanda are third on six points from six matches, followed by Botswana on two points from five games, while Sierra Leone remain without a point after six matches.
With only the top two teams qualifying for the final, every remaining match carries significant importance.
The Cricket Cranes must now reproduce the same clinical performance against Botswana, particularly with the ball, while maintaining the attacking intent that enabled them to chase down Sierra Leone’s total in just seven overs.
A victory over Botswana would strengthen Uganda’s position in the top two and keep their quest for a third consecutive ILT20 Continent Cup title firmly on course.
ILT20 CONTINENT CUP
Game Five – Match Summary
Sierra Leone 55 all out (17.4 overs)
Raymond Coker 14, Aliya Kamara 11; Gerald Olipa 3/15, Joseph Baguma 2/18, Enock Kasaija 2/15, Kenneth Waiswa 2/8, Matthew Musinguzi 1/11.
Uganda 56/2 (7 overs)
Gerald Olipa 21*, Robinson Obuya 20*, Fahad Mutagana 10; George Sesay 1/30, Raymond Coker 1/18.
Uganda won by 8 wickets
Player of the Match: Gerald Olipa
ILT20 CONTINENT CUP – KIGALI
Points Table Standings
Team M W L N/R Pts NRR
1. Kenya 6 6 0 0 12 +3.477
2. Uganda 5 4 1 0 8 +4.027
3. Rwanda 6 3 3 0 6 +0.905
4. Botswana 5 1 4 0 2 -2.658
5. Sierra Leone 6 0 6 0 0 -5.310
NEXT FIXTURE – WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Uganda vs. Botswana
Time: 10:30am
Venue: Gahanga International Cricket Stadium – Main Oval, Kigali
Competition: ILT20 Continent Cup
Qualification: Only the top two teams will advance to the final.
ILT20 CONTINENT CUP CHAMPIONS
2023 — Uganda, Nairobi
2024 — Uganda, Kigali
2025 — Tournament not held
2026 — ????
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