Lessons Galore For Young Ugandan Side:
The Cricket Cranes finished runners-up at the 2026 ILT20 Continent Cup after Kenya beat Uganda by 39 runs in the final at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium. Despite missing out on the trophy, Uganda’s young side gained valuable experience ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in Nigeria.
KIGALI, SEPTEMBER 20. The Cricket Cranes have finished runners-up in the 2026 ILT20 Continent Cup after Kenya defeated Uganda by 39 runs in the final at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, September 19.
Kenya posted 170 for seven after winning the toss and electing to bat before Uganda were dismissed for 131 in 17.5 overs. The result ended Uganda’s defence of the title they won in Nairobi in 2023 and Kigali in 2024, but the tournament provided valuable international exposure for a Cricket Cranes side featuring several emerging players.
Uganda entered the final having beaten Kenya by 47 runs less than 24 hours earlier to finish top of the round-robin standings.
Kenya recover late
Uganda’s bowlers had Kenya under pressure for much of the first innings, reducing the hosts to 103 for six after 14.5 overs.
However, Brian Likavu and Francis Mutua changed the momentum in the closing overs. Likavu remained unbeaten on 41 runs from 21 balls, including two fours and four sixes, while Mutua struck 29 runs from 16 deliveries with two fours and three sixes. The pair added 33 runs for the seventh wicket before Mutua fell to Enock Kasaija, but Kenya had already recovered sufficiently to reach 170.
Kasaija was Uganda’s leading wicket-taker with two for 34 from four overs, while Juma Miyagi, Riazat Ali Shah, Matthew Musinguzi and Joseph Baguma claimed one wicket apiece. Uganda conceded 15 extras, including nine wides and one no-ball.
Top order under pressure
Uganda’s chase never settled after Lucas Oluoch and Sachin Gill made early inroads. Oluoch removed Robinson Obuya, Charles Musemeza and Gerald Olipa, while Gill dismissed Anas Baig and Ronald Lutaaya as Uganda slipped to 25 for five after 4.3 overs.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah led the attempted recovery with 53 from 33 balls, striking four fours and three sixes. He received support from Kenneth Waiswa, who made 17 from 13 deliveries, before their partnership was broken at 49.
Riazat’s dismissal at 116 for eight in the 15.5th over left Uganda with too much ground to cover. Matthew Musinguzi provided a late burst of 14 from six balls, but Uganda were eventually bowled out for 131.
It was Kenya’s Sachin Gill that was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution of 22 with the bat and three wickets for 17 runs.
Tikolo backs young side
Head coach Steve Tikolo said the final should be viewed as part of the learning process for a team that has been given an opportunity to gain international experience. Rather than dwell on the defeat, Tikolo emphasised the quality of cricket Uganda had produced during the tournament and the need for the players to learn quickly from the final.
The coach said the team had shown enough over the competition to demonstrate that the young players can compete, while recognising that international cricket exposes every weakness when matches reach their decisive moments.
Waiswa sees positives
Vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa described the tournament as a valuable workout for the emerging group.
He said the atmosphere within the squad had remained positive and that the experience of playing high-pressure matches against strong regional opposition would help the players understand how to manage difficult situations better.
For Waiswa, the lessons from Kigali can become important building blocks ahead of Uganda’s upcoming assignments, particularly the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in Nigeria.
Next stop, Nigeria
Uganda now take a short break before beginning preparations for their next major international assignment.
The Cricket Cranes are scheduled to play six matches against Kenya in Nairobi from October 5 to 13, comprising three 50-over matches and three T20s.
The bilateral series will provide another opportunity for the young players to build on their Kigali experience while helping Kenya prepare for the next leg of the ICC Challenge League A.
Uganda will then turn their attention to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Nigeria.
The Kigali campaign may have ended without the trophy, but the Cricket Cranes leave with valuable exposure, emerging performers and lessons that will need to be converted into improvement before the next major test.
ILT20 CONTINENT CUP FINAL
Kenya 170/7 (20 overs)
Brian Likavu 41*, Dhiren Gondaria 44, Francis Mutua 29; Enock Kasaija 2/34.
Uganda 131 all out (17.5 overs)
Riazat Ali Shah 53, Kenneth Waiswa 17, Matthew Musinguzi 14; Sachin Gill 3/17, Lucas Oluoch 3/44.
Kenya won by 39 runs
Player of the Match: Sachin Gill of Kenya
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS
Most Valuable Player:
Dhiren Gondaria of Kenya (366 runs, 3 wickets & 6 fielding dismissals = 768 points)
Best Batsman:
Gerald Olipa of Uganda (375 runs, 3 half centuries & 3 Man of Match awards)
Best Bowler:
Joseph Baguma of Uganda (17 wickets for 161 runs, Best Bowling 3/16 in 4 overs)
ILT20 CONTINENT CUP CHAMPIONS
2023 — Uganda, Nairobi
2024 — Uganda, Kigali
2025 — Tournament not held
2026 — Kenya, Kigali
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