Karuma Rapids edged Bujjagali Rafters in the morning with a narrow Duckworth–Lewis win, as rain and a composed chase decided the outcome.
In the afternoon, Itanda Kayakerz responded with authority, securing a hard-fought victory over Karuma Rapids in a tightly contested clash.
By the close of Matchday Three, Bujjagali Rafters, Karuma Rapids, and Itanda Kayakerz remained tied on points, each having suffered their sole defeat against the same opponent.
With points equal, net run rate now holds the key to separating the trio at the top of the table.
Bujjagali Rafters vs Karuma Rapids – Morning
Toss: Karuma Rapids won the toss and elected to bowl
Bujjagali Rafters: 200/7 in 20 overs
Karuma Rapids: 87/2 in 6 overs (Revised target: 87)
Result: Karuma Rapids won by 8 wickets (D/L Method)
The Bujjagali Rafters suffered a narrow defeat under the Duckworth–Lewis method as Karuma Rapids held their nerve to claim an eight-wicket victory in a rain-affected encounter at Lugogo Cricket Oval in the morning.
Batting first after losing the toss, the Rafters put up a competitive total of 200/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Fahad Mutagana was the standout performer, producing a sensational knock of 86 off 44 balls, which included seven fours and six sixes.
He anchored the innings with authority and aggression, keeping the scoreboard moving despite wickets falling at the other end.
Robinson Obuya provided solid support with a steady 39 off 39 balls, while Gerald Olipa added late momentum with a brisk 35 off just 14 deliveries.
Contributions from Robert Ajuna (14 off 9) and Fred Achelam (9* off 5) ensured the Rafters reached the 200-run mark.
For Karuma Rapids, Cosmas Kyewuta delivered a match-defining all-round performance, leading the bowling attack with figures of 3 for 21.
He was well supported by Henry Ssenyondo and Jordan Okecho, who picked up a wicket apiece and applied pressure during the middle overs.
Rain interruptions altered the complexion of the match, and Karuma Rapids were set a revised target of 87 runs from 7 overs.
The Rapids approached the chase positively and made full use of the shortened format. Cosmas Kyewuta once again starred, this time with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 31 off just 8 balls, including four towering sixes.
Ronald Lutaaya remained calm at the other end with 16* off 12 balls, while Charles Musemeza (17 off 11) and Cyrus Kakuru (12 off 6) provided quick starts. Despite early wickets from Kasaija Enock and Yunus Sowobi, the Rapids maintained the required rate and reached the target comfortably at 87/2 in 6 overs.
Karuma Rapids’ successful chase earned them two valuable points, while Bujjagali Rafters were left to rue missed opportunities in a game decided by fine margins and weather conditions.
Player of the Match: Cosmas Kyewuta
Karuma Rapids vs Itanda Kayakers – Afternoon
Toss: Karuma Rapids won the toss and elected to bat
Karuma Rapids: 155/8 in 20 overs
Itanda Kayakers: 156/6 in 17.3 overs
Result: Itanda Kayakers won by 4 wickets
The Itanda Kayakers capped off the afternoon encounter at Lugogo Cricket Oval with a composed four-wicket victory over Karuma Rapids, successfully chasing down a competitive target to secure two valuable points in the Cricket Uganda Series.
Batting first after winning the toss, Karuma Rapids posted 155/8 in their 20 overs.
Charles Musemeza led the charge with an aggressive 44 off 26 balls, striking three fours and four sixes to give the Rapids early momentum.
He was supported by Ismail Munir , who added a lively 36 off 26 deliveries, and Paul Mulongo, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 37 off 35 balls.
However, regular wickets prevented the Rapids from fully capitalizing on their start. Kenneth Ogenrwot was the pick of the bowlers for the Kayakers, claiming 3 for 27, while Mathew Musinguzi delivered an economical spell of 1 for 18.
Captain Christopher Kidega also chipped in with a key wicket as the Rapids were restricted to a manageable total.
In response, the Itanda Kayakers endured an early wobble, losing three wickets inside the first four overs.
Despite the early setbacks, Steve Wabwose steadied the innings with a crucial 46 off 35 balls, rotating the strike effectively and finding the boundary when needed.
Captain Christopher Kidega then took control of the chase, producing a match-winning knock of 35 off 23 balls, which included three fours and two sixes.
His calm leadership under pressure shifted the momentum firmly in the Kayakers’ favor. Pius Oloka provided the finishing touches with an explosive unbeaten 25 off 13 balls, as the Kayakers reached the target at 156/6 in 17.3 overs.
The Rapids fought hard with the ball, with Kenneth Waiswa picking up 2 for 15 and Felix Ochan claiming two wickets, but the Kayakers’ depth and composure proved decisive in the closing stages.
The four-wicket win earned Itanda Kayakers two points, while Karuma Rapids were left empty-handed after a competitive but ultimately unsuccessful effort.
Player of the Match: Christopher Kidega
Tournament Overview
Matchday Three concluded today with the competition still perfectly balanced. After four matches each, all teams remain locked on four points, having recorded two wins and two losses apiece—an accurate reflection of how closely contested the tournament has been.
Looking ahead to the next round of fixtures, the Bujjagali Rafters will feature in the second double-header of the series. They are set to face the Itanda Kayakers in the morning encounter before returning in the afternoon to take on Karuma Rapids.
The tournament has produced an exciting and competitive start across both shortened and full-length formats. Close finishes, dominant run chases, and emphatic victories have defined the opening days, keeping the points table tight and the title race wide open.
By the end of Matchday Three, Bujjagali Rafters, Karuma Rapids, and Itanda Kayakers are level on four points, each with two wins and two losses.
Tournament Highlights
Bujjagali Rafters dominated with the highest team total of the tournament, piling up an impressive 243 for 6, while Itanda Kayakers endured a tough outing, managing the lowest score of just 30 for 4.
Olipa Gerald was the standout with the bat, finishing as the top run-scorer after amassing a remarkable 174 runs for Bujjagali Rafters. On the bowling front, Henry Ssenyondo of KRP led the attack, emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 7 wickets.