KIGALI, SEPTEMBER 10. The Cricket Cranes made it two wins from two at the ILT20 Continental Cup after defeating Botswana by five wickets at Gahanga Cricket Stadium Oval B in Kigali.
Uganda, defending the title they won in Nairobi in 2023 and retained in Kigali in 2024, followed Wednesday’s record-breaking 114-run victory over Sierra Leone with another commanding performance, this time chasing down Botswana’s 101 for 7 in just 9.3 overs.
The victory gives Uganda four points from their opening two matches and strengthens their position in the five-team tournament.
Baguma, Miyagi lead bowling charge
After Botswana won the toss and elected to bat, the Cricket Cranes produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict the Zebras to 101 for 7 from their allotted 20 overs.
Off-spinner Joseph Baguma was the pick of the bowlers, returning excellent figures of 3 for 14 from his four overs.
Opening bowler Juma Miyagi also continued his impressive start to the tournament with 2 for 9 from four overs, while Matthew Musinguzi and captain Riazat Ali Shah claimed one wicket apiece.
Musinguzi accounted for Vinoo Balakrishnan for 16 before Ali Shah dismissed Botswana’s top scorer Valentine Mbazo for 31.
Phemelo Silas made 14 while Thatayaone Tshose added 10 as Botswana struggled to build sustained partnerships against Uganda’s attack.
Obuya powers rapid chase
Uganda’s response was built around another explosive contribution from Robinson Obuya.
The powerful opener smashed an unbeaten 51 from just 28 balls, striking six fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 182.14 to anchor a chase that was completed inside 10 overs.
Gerald Olipa, Player of the Match in Wednesday’s victory over Sierra Leone, provided another burst of power with 24 from only 10 balls, including three sixes.
Charles Musemeza followed his debut half-century against Sierra Leone with a brisk 15 from 11 balls, while captain Riazat Ali Shah added six from three deliveries.
Cyrus Kakuru finished unbeaten on four as Uganda reached 105 for 5 in 9.3 overs to seal a five-wicket victory.
The chase, however, was not without a few nervous moments as Uganda lost three wickets after reaching 91 for 2 in 7.4 overs, with the aggressive approach threatening to take some shine off an otherwise convincing performance.
Obuya remained composed to see the Cricket Cranes across the line.
Kasaija handed debut
Head coach Steve Tikolo made one change to the side that defeated Sierra Leone, handing paceman Enock Kasaija his T20I debut in place of Cosmas Kyewuta.
Kasaija bowled three overs for 22 runs as Uganda continued to widen their T20 options in Kigali.
The tournament is providing the technical team with an opportunity to test emerging players and strengthen the squad ahead of next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in Nigeria.
The early returns have been encouraging, with Gerald Olipa and Charles Musemeza making impressive international debuts against Sierra Leone before Kasaija received his opportunity against Botswana.
Rwanda next
The Cricket Cranes now turn their attention to hosts Rwanda, with the two sides meeting on Friday, September 11, at Gahanga Cricket Stadium Oval B.
Rwanda will enter the contest high on confidence after dismantling Sierra Leone by 145 runs in their second match.
The hosts posted 191 for 4 before restricting Sierra Leone to 46 for 9 from their 20 overs.
Friday’s clash promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament, with Rwanda seeking to challenge the defending champions on home soil.
The fixture will also reunite Uganda with former head coach Laurence Mahatlane, who remains closely associated with the development of Uganda’s modern T20 cricket after his time with the Cricket Cranes.
Uganda will be aiming for a third straight victory in Kigali and another step towards defending their Continent Cup crown.
ILT20 CONTINENT CUP
Game Two – Result
Botswana 101/7 (20 overs)
Valentino Mbazo 31, Vinoo Balakhrisnan 16; Joseph Baguma 3/14, Juma Miyagi 2/9
Uganda 105/5 (9.3 overs)
Robinson Obuya 51*, Gerald Olipa 24, Charles Musemeza 15; Katlo Piet 2/9
Uganda won by five wickets
Player of the Match: Robinson Obuya (3 for 14 in 4 overs)
TOMORROW – MATCH INFORMATION
Uganda vs. Rwanda
Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Venue: Gahanga Cricket Stadium Oval B, Kigali
Competition: ILT20 Continental Cup
ILT20 Continental Cup Champions
2023 — Uganda, Nairobi
2024 — Uganda, Kigali
2025 — Tournament not held
2026 — ????
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