Itanda Kayakerz kicked off their double-header day with a confident five-wicket win over Karuma Rapids, chasing down the target with ease.
However, their celebrations were short-lived, as Bujjagali Rafters struck back in emphatic fashion, posting a tournament-record total and handing the Kayakerz a heavy 93-run defeat in the afternoon clash.
Karuma Rapids vs Itanda Kayakers – Morning Game
Toss: Karuma Rapids won the toss and elected to bat
Karuma Rapids: 165/8 in 20 overs
Itanda Kayakers: 166/5 in 18 overs
Result: Itanda Kayakers won by 5 wickets
On their double-header day, the Itanda Kayakers registered their first victory of the Waterfalls Women’s T20 Tournament with a composed and well-earned win over Karuma Rapids at the Lugogo Cricket Oval in the Cricket Uganda Series.
Batting first after winning the toss, Karuma Rapids put up a competitive total of 165/8 in their 20 overs.
The innings was built around useful contributions across the order, with Paul Mulongo top-scoring with a steady 29 off 23 balls, while skipper Kenneth Waiswa added a valuable 28 from 20 deliveries.
Charles Musemeza (24 off 19) and Lutaaya Ronald (21 off 13) provided early momentum, but regular wickets prevented the Rapids from fully breaking free.
The Itanda Kayakers bowlers kept things in check through disciplined spells and sharp fielding.
Abraiz Mir Ali and Siraje Nsubuga claimed two wickets apiece, while Baidhu Ivan also picked up two, ensuring the Rapids were restricted to a chaseable total.
In reply, the Kayakers showed intent from the outset despite losing Simon Ssesazi on the very first ball. The innings was then taken charge of by Perry Wazombe, who produced a match-winning performance.
Wazombe played a magnificent knock of 70 off 40 balls, striking six fours and five sixes, and single-handedly swung the momentum firmly in Itanda’s favor.
She was well supported by Anas Baig, who anchored the chase with a calm and unbeaten 41 off 32 balls, ensuring there were no late jitters.
Contributions from Patel Devansh (15 off 10) and late strikes by Pius Oloka (12* off 8) helped the Kayakers cross the line comfortably in the 18th over, finishing on 166/5.
With this five-wicket victory, the Itanda Kayakers secured two valuable points and marked their first win of the tournament.
Player of the Match: Perry Wazombe
Bujjagali Rafters vs Itanda Kayakers – Afternoon Game
Toss: Itanda Kayakers won the toss and elected to bowl
Bujjagali Rafters: 243/6 in 20 overs
Itanda Kayakers: 150/8 in 20 overs
Result: Bujjagali Rafters won by 93 runs
In the afternoon encounter at Lugogo Cricket Oval, the Bujjagali Rafters handed the Itanda Kayakers their second loss of the tournament, delivering a ruthless performance that saw the Rafters shatter their own tournament record with a new highest total of 243 runs, surpassing their previous best of 221 in emphatic fashion.
Asked to bat first after losing the toss, the Rafters unleashed a devastating batting display.
Fahad Mutagana provided early fireworks with a quick 24 off 12 balls, setting the tempo before falling in the fourth over.
What followed was a breathtaking assault led by Robinson Obuya, who produced a sensational knock of 75 off just 31 balls, smashing four fours and eight towering sixes at a strike rate of over 240.
Obuya was brilliantly supported by Gerald Olipa, who continued his fine form with a powerful 52 off 28 deliveries, ensuring the pressure never eased on the Kayakers’ bowling attack.
Despite a four-wicket spell from Mathew Musinguzi, the Rafters’ depth proved decisive.
Valuable late contributions from Robert Ajuna (31 off 20), Joseph Baguma (14 off 5), and unbeaten knocks from Richard Sohera (20* off 14) and Simon Oketcho (14* off 10) propelled the Rafters to a massive 243/6, the highest total recorded in the tournament.
Chasing an imposing target of 244, the Itanda Kayakers found themselves under constant pressure.
Early wickets stalled the chase, and although Simon Ssesazi (28 off 19) showed intent at the top, regular breakthroughs kept the required rate climbing.
Anas Baig offered the strongest resistance with a well-fought 51 off 32 balls, striking two fours and three sixes, but lacked consistent support at the other end.
The Rafters’ bowlers maintained tight control throughout the innings.
Simon Oketcho led the charge with an economical and effective spell, while Sowobi Yunus and Ali Balidawa picked up two wickets apiece to halt any hopes of a late surge.
The Kayakers eventually closed on 150/8 after 20 overs, falling well short of the towering target.
The comprehensive 93-run victory earned the Bujjagali Rafters two crucial points and further underlined their dominance in the competition, while the Itanda Kayakers were left to regroup after a challenging double-header day.
Player of the Match: Robinson Obuya
Tomorrow promises to be a busy and exciting day for the Karuma Rapids, as they face a demanding double-header.
The Rapids will kick things off in the morning with a clash against the Bujjagali Rafters, before returning to action later in the afternoon to take on the Itanda Kayakerz, making it a true test of depth, endurance, and consistency.