Match Summary for the Final
Kichinjaji vs Nakatunya CC – Soroti Cricket Academy
Toss: Kichinjaji won the toss and elected to bat
Kichinjaji: 98/2 (18.0 overs)
Nakatunya CC: 99/9 (17.2 overs)
Result: Nakatunya CC won by 1 wicket
Nakatunya Cricket Club held their nerve in a dramatic finale to be crowned champions of the Cricket Uganda Soroti Women’s T20, edging Kichinjaji by just one wicket in a thrilling contest at the City Oval yesterday.
In what will go down as one of the most gripping finishes in the tournament’s history, Nakatunya chased down a modest target of 99 runs, reaching 99/9 in 17.2 overs after a rollercoaster second innings filled with tension, collapses, and late heroics.
Earlier, Kichinjaji, who won the toss and elected to bat, posted 98/2 in their allotted 18 overs.
Mary Esomu anchored the innings with a patient unbeaten 28, while Martha Amayo contributed 32 runs to steady the middle order.
Despite their solid platform, Kichinjaji struggled to accelerate, managing only two boundaries in the latter stages as Nakatunya’s disciplined bowling attack kept the scoring in check.
However, the chase proved anything but straightforward.
Nakatunya’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets and slipping to 19/3 inside the powerplay.
The pressure mounted as wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals, leaving the chase hanging in the balance.
Annet Ameja emerged as the backbone of the innings, playing a crucial knock of 39 off 34 balls, laced with five boundaries, to keep her side in contention.
Just when victory seemed within reach, Nakatunya suffered a dramatic collapse, losing three wickets in quick succession to fall to 96/9.
With only one wicket remaining and nerves at their peak, Oliver Amito and Suzan Achen calmly guided the team over the line, sealing a famous one-wicket victory and sparking wild celebrations.
Annet Ameja’s match-winning effort earned her the Player of the Match award.
The road to the final had already set the stage for an exciting showdown.
In the semifinals, Nakatunya defeated Pamba by seven wickets, while Kichinjaji secured their spot with a 21-run victory over Amen.
Speaking at the conclusion of the tournament, Soroti Cricket Academy Chairman Felix Musana praised the growth of women’s cricket in the region.
We are proud of how far the girls’ game has come and this tournament shows real progress,
he said.
We thank Cricket Uganda for the support and the schools for trusting us with the players.
This is just the beginning.
The champions were awarded a cash prize of UGX 100,000 courtesy of Equity Bank Manager Soroti Branch, adding to their well-earned triumph.
With the Soroti Women’s T20 wrapped up in spectacular fashion, attention now shifts to the upcoming Girls’ Schools Cricket Week qualifiers, as the momentum of women’s cricket in the region continues to grow.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Best Batter – Immaculate Nandera (Amen)
Best Bowler – Nabasekka Joan (Kichinjaji)
MVP – Mercy Tracy Kongai (Kichinjaji)
