KIGALI, SEPTEMBER 11. The Cricket Cranes made it three wins from three at the ILT20 Continental Cup after overcoming hosts Rwanda by 64 runs at Gahanga Cricket Stadium Oval B in Kigali.
Ugandafollowed their record-breaking 114-run demolition of Sierra Leone and five-wicket victory over Botswana with another convincing display to maintain their unbeaten start.
The Cricket Cranes posted 198 for nine after electing to bat before their bowlers worked in tandem to dismiss Rwanda for 134 in 18.5 overs.
The victory leaves Uganda perfectly placed for Saturday’s showdown with fellow unbeaten side Kenya, with the two East African rivals battling for top spot as the first round of the tournament reaches its climax.
Baig rises from the ruins
For Anas Mirza Baig, the victory was about much more than another two points.
The son of former Uganda captain Akbar Baig had endured a difficult start to his maiden T20I tour, falling for a duck against Sierra Leone before managing just two against Botswana.
But the young right-hander responded in emphatic fashion against Rwanda, producing a superb maiden T20I half-century to announce himself on the international stage.
Baig smashed 66 from just 36 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes at a blistering strike rate of 183.33, providing the foundation for Uganda’s imposing total.
Baig also picked up the Man of Match Award.
His innings was a statement of character after two early disappointments and a reminder of the depth of talent emerging through the Cricket Cranes system.
Obuya provides the platform
Baig found the perfect partner in Robinson Obuya, with the pair giving Uganda the fast start they needed.
The opening stand was worth 64 before Obuya was controversially adjudged leg before wicket for 25 off 17 balls.
The dismissal ended a partnership that had put Rwanda immediately under pressure, with Obuya striking four fours and a six during his aggressive stay at the crease.
There was frustration around the dismissal, with the ball appearing to have made contact with Obuya’s bat before reaching the pad, but Uganda quickly regrouped.
Baig attacked before falling for 66, having already done the bulk of the damage.
Gerald Olipa then kept the momentum going with 45 from 32 balls, while captain Riazat Ali Shah added a brisk 29 from 18 as Uganda pushed towards the 200 mark.
The late innings also produced a trademark burst from Cosmas Kyewuta, who smashed 18 from just four balls, including three sixes, to lift Uganda to 198 for nine from their 20 overs.
Bowlers squeeze Rwanda
Rwanda needed a strong start to stay in the contest, but Uganda’s bowlers refused to allow the hosts to settle.
Cosmas Kyewuta led the attack with three wickets for 20 runs, combining pace and aggression to break into Rwanda’s batting order.
Left-arm orthodox spinner Matthew Musinguzi then worked tirelessly through the middle overs, taking three for 23, while Joseph Baguma matched him with three for 20.
The trio operated in tandem to keep the pressure on Rwanda, with the paceman striking early before the spinners tightened the screws.
Captain Didier Ndikubwimana, who crossed 2000 career T20I runs, made 20 and Isae Niyomugabo top-scored with 38, but Rwanda could not sustain a partnership long enough to threaten Uganda’s imposing total.
The hosts eventually slipped to 134 all out in 18.5 overs as Uganda completed a comprehensive 64-run victory.
Three from three
The victory gives the Cricket Cranes a perfect three wins from three and further strengthens their title defence.
More importantly, it continues to provide head coach Steve Tikolo and his technical team with valuable opportunities to test a new-look squad ahead of next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in Nigeria.
Baig’s breakthrough, following the earlier emergence of Charles Musemeza and Gerald Olipa, adds another positive dimension to Uganda’s campaign.
The defending champions now have one more major first-round assignment before turning their attention to the knockout phase.
Migingo derby next
Uganda’s next challenge is a date with old rivals Kenya on Saturday, September 12, at Gahanga Cricket Stadium Oval B.
The match will be a Migingo derby and a battle for supremacy between the tournament’s two remaining unbeaten sides.
Kenya have also won their opening matches, setting up a mouth-watering clash in which the winner will take a major step – finishing top of the first-round standings.
For the Cricket Cranes, Saturday’s contest offers another chance to underline their status as the team to beat.
Three games have brought three victories. Now comes Kenya.
ILT20 CONTINENT CUP
Game Three – Result
Uganda 198/9 (20 overs)
Anas Baig 66, Gerald Olipa 45, Riazat Ali Shah 29, Robinson Obuya 25; Ignace Ntireganya 3/34, Martin Akayezu 3/36, Muhammad Nadir 2/26
Rwanda 134 all out (18.5 overs)
Isae Niyomugabo 38, Didier Ndikubwimana 20, Yves Cyusa 18; Cosmas Kyewuta 3/20, Joseph Baguma 3/20, Matthew Musinguzi 3/23
Uganda won by 64 runs
Player of the Match: Anas Mirza Baig (66 off 36)
NEXT FIXTURE – MIGINGO DERBY
Uganda vs. Kenya
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Venue: Gahanga Cricket Stadium Oval B, Kigali
Competition: ILT20 Continental Cup
ILT20 Continent Cup Champions
2023 — Uganda, Nairobi
2024 — Uganda, Kigali
2025 — Tournament not held
2026 — ????
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