KIGALI, SEPTEMBER 9. The Cricket Cranes made a commanding start to their ILT20 Continent Cup title defence with a 114-run victory over Sierra Leone at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium B in Kigali.
Uganda, seeking a third successive Continent Cup title after winning the inaugural edition in Nairobi in 2023 and retaining the crown in Kigali in 2024, posted an imposing 250 for 3 in their 20 overs before restricting Sierra Leone to 136 for 4.
The total was not only enough to secure victory but also set a new record for Uganda’s highest team total in Men’s T20 Internationals, surpassing their previous best of 229 for 3 against Botswana on December 9, 2024 at Gahanga Main Oval.
Charles Musemeza anchored the Uganda innings with an outstanding 89 off 57 balls, striking eight fours and five sixes, before Gerald Olipa provided the late acceleration with an unbeaten 83 off just 34 balls.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah then added a spectacular finish, smashing an unbeaten 32 from only eight deliveries as Uganda collected 46 runs from the final two overs.
The explosive finish left Sierra Leone requiring a daunting target of 251.
Worthy contributions
Robinson Obuya also made an important contribution at the top of the order with 37 from 20 balls, helping Uganda recover quickly after losing Anas Baig for a duck in the first over after he nicked one behind to the keeper’s gloves.
Olipa’s unbeaten 83 included four fours and nine sixes and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Sierra Leone’s response was led by Alusine Turay, who made a spirited 78 from 50 balls, but Uganda’s bowlers kept control of the chase.
Ugandan pacer Juma Miyagi returned figures of 2 for 18 while vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa claimed 2 for 20 as Sierra Leone finished on 136 for 4 from their 20 overs.
The result gives Uganda two valuable points and an early boost in their pursuit of another Continent Cup crown.
For a youthful Cricket Cranes squad that arrived in Kigali with a blend of emerging talent and experienced campaigners, the performance offered an encouraging start to the campaign.
The technical team had challenged the players to maintain Uganda’s standards while using the tournament to widen the national T20 player pool ahead of next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in Nigeria.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah and vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa provided the experience, while Musemeza, Obuya and Olipa supplied the attacking intent that ultimately separated the two sides.
Botswana next
Uganda will return to action tomorrow when they face Botswana in their second league match of the tournament.
The Cricket Cranes will be looking to carry the momentum from their opening victory into the Botswana encounter as they continue their pursuit of a third consecutive title.
With the tournament providing another opportunity to test the depth of Uganda’s T20 squad, the technical team will be seeking another complete performance across batting, bowling and fielding.
ILT20 CONTINENT CUP
GAME ONE – SCORES SUMMARY
Uganda 250/3 (20 overs):
Charles Musemeza 89, Gerald Olipa 83*, Riazat Ali Shah 32*; George Sesay 2 for 28
Sierra Leone 136/4 (20 overs)
Alusine Turay 78, Lansana Lamin 19; Juma Miyaji 2 for 18, Kenneth Waiswa 2 for 20
Uganda won by 114 runs.
Player of the Match: Gerald Olipa — 83* off 34 balls
TOMORROW – MATCH INFORMATION
Uganda vs. Botswana
Competition: ILT20 Continent Cup Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026 Time: 10:30am
Venue: Gahanga Cricket Stadium, Kigali, Rwanda
ILT20 Continental Cup Champions
2023 — Uganda, Nairobi
2024 — Uganda, Kigali
2025 — Tournament not held 2026 — ????
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