Kenya End Cricket Cranes Unbeaten Run In Migingo Derby At ILT20 Cup

The Cricket Cranes’ unbeaten start to the ILT20 Continent Cup came to an end after Kenya produced a commanding eight-wicket victory in the much-anticipated Migingo Derby at Gahanga Cricket Stadium Oval B in Kigali.

Uganda, who had opened their campaign with victories over Sierra Leone, Botswana and hosts Rwanda, posted 189 for six after being asked to bat first on a difficult surface.

Kenya, however, made light work of the chase, reaching 193 for two in just 16.4 overs to hand the Cricket Cranes their first defeat of the tournament. The result leaves Kenya top of the standings, with Uganda second after four matches as the competition moves into its second round. Uganda had last lost to Kenya in 2023.

Kenya’s bowlers set the tone

Kenya captain Dhiren Gondaria won the toss and elected to field, backing his bowling attack to exploit the new surface.

The decision paid dividends as Sachin Gill (3/26), Peter Koech Langat (1/28), Shem Ngoche (0/24) and Lucas Oluoch Ndandason (2/47) kept Uganda’s batters from finding the fluency seen in their opening three matches.

The Cricket Cranes had to work hard for their runs, with the ball not always coming onto the bat as expected. Gerald Olipa top-scored with 53, while captain Riazat Ali Shah made 45 and Charles Musemeza added 30.

Kenneth Waiswa then provided the late fireworks, striking 37 from 20 balls to lift Uganda to 189 for six from their 20 overs. The total gave Uganda something to defend, but Kenya’s response was emphatic.

Gondaria and Rakep take charge

Kenya’s chase quickly became one-way traffic as captain Gondaria (94 off 47) and former skipper Rakep Patel (56* off 35) attacked Uganda’s bowling with confidence.

The pair found boundaries; 13 fours & 12 sixes in total, regularly and refused to allow the Cricket Cranes’ bowlers to settle. Gondaria’s leadership was particularly influential as he took responsibility at the top of the order, while Rakep provided the perfect foil to keep Kenya ahead of the required rate with a 119-runs partnership.

Their approach ensured Kenya reached 193 for two in only 16.4 overs to seal an eight-wicket victory. It was a performance built around experience, intent and the willingness to take the game away from Uganda.

Cranes fall short in the field

Uganda also had opportunities to change the course of the chase but failed to capitalise. Several half-chances went begging, while a stumping opportunity was also missed as Kenya’s batters continued to press home their advantage.

Assistant coach Jackson Ogwang acknowledged that Uganda’s bowling attack had not executed its plans as expected. “We have to keep our heads up. We still have another round to play,” Ogwang said.

The defeat provides valuable lessons for a youthful Cricket Cranes squad that has introduced several fresh faces during the tournament.

Three wins before Kenya

Uganda had entered the Migingo Derby with a perfect record after dismantling Sierra Leone by 114 runs, defeating Botswana by five wickets and overcoming hosts Rwanda by 64 runs.

The opening three victories showcased the potential of a new-look squad assembled with one eye on next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in Nigeria.

Charles Musemeza, Gerald Olipa and other emerging players have made important contributions during the campaign, while Anas Mirza Baig announced himself with a maiden T20I half-century against Rwanda.

The Kenya defeat, however, underlined the importance of maintaining intensity across all three departments when facing experienced opposition.

Another Kenya test awaits

The Cricket Cranes will have two days to regroup before the second round of the tournament begins with a date against winless Sierra Leone. Uganda will also face Kenya again on Friday, September 18, at the picturesque Gahanga Main Oval.

The rematch will give Steve Tikolo and his young side an immediate opportunity to respond to the defeat, make the necessary adjustments and show their ability to evolve their game.

With three wins from four matches, the Cricket Cranes remain firmly in contention for a spot in the final of the ILT20 Continent Cup – a preserve for the top two finishers after the double-round robin phase.

For now, it is four second round robin games to go and the next meeting with Kenya will provide another important test of Uganda’s progress.

ILT20 CONTINENT CUP

Game Four – Match Summary

Uganda 189/6 (20 overs)

Gerald Olipa 53, Riazat Ali Shah 45, Kenneth Waiswa 37*, Charles Musemeza 30; Lucas Oluoch 2/47, Peter Langat 1/28, Sachin Gill 1/26.

Kenya 193/2 (16.4 overs)

Dhiren Gondaria 94, Rakep Patel 56, Sachin Gill 26*; Matthew Musinguzi 1/38, Juma Miyagi 1/37.

Kenya won by 8 wickets

Player of the Match: Dhiren Gondaria (94 off 47)

ILT20 CONTINENT CUP – KIGALI

Points Table Standings – After First Round

Team                          M   W   L  N/R Pts    NRR

1. Kenya                     4     4   0    0    8     +3.200

2. Uganda                 4     3   1    0    6     +3.319

3. Rwanda                 4     2   2    0    4     +1.637

4. Botswana              4     1   3    0    2     -3.115

5. Sierra Leone          4     0   4    0    0     -4.700

NEXT FIXTURE – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Uganda vs. Sierra Leone

Venue: Gahanga Cricket Stadium, Kigali

Competition: ILT20 Continental Cup

ILT20 CONTINENT CUP CHAMPIONS

2023 — Uganda, Nairobi

2024 — Uganda, Kigali

2025 — Tournament not held

2026 — ????

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