Day nine of the MAXX T20 Challenge Cup at Entebbe saw the Strikers and Gladiators complete doubles over their respective rivals, producing thrilling contests that had a major impact on the standings.
The Strikers dominated the Titans with a clinical all-round display, while the Gladiators edged past the Royals in a tense low-scoring affair.
With both teams claiming back-to-back wins, the race for points is heating up as the tournament enters its decisive stages.
Strikers vs Titans – Morning Game
Toss: Titans won the toss and elected to bowl
Strikers: 109 all out in 20 overs
Titans: 70/6 in 20 overs
Result: Strikers won by 39 runs
The Strikers produced a commanding all-round performance to secure a 39-run victory over the Titans.
Batting first, Robinson Obuya led from the front with a fluent 41 off 29 balls, providing momentum as wickets fell around him.
The Strikers’ innings stalled at times, particularly after Simon Oketcho removed Obuya with a crucial wicket-maiden in the ninth over.
Despite regular losses, late contributions helped the Strikers reach 109 before being bowled out in the final over.
The Titans’ chase never gained traction.
Early dismissals, tight bowling from Hamidu Munyigwa, and Hassan Bagaga’s double strike reduced them to 30/4 at the halfway mark.
Boundaries were scarce, and the Titans’ first four of the innings only arrived in the 16th over.
The Strikers conceded just a single run in the final over, sealing a comprehensive win at 70/6.
Player of the Match: Siraje Nsubuga – 2 wickets, 3 overs, 9 runs conceded, 1 catch, 9 off 17
Royals vs Gladiators – Afternoon Game
Toss: Gladiators won the toss and elected to bat
Gladiators: 107 all out in 19.5 overs
Royals: 100 all out in 19.3 overs
Result: Gladiators won by 7 runs
In a nail-biting low-scoring encounter, the Gladiators narrowly defeated the Royals by seven runs.
Batting first, the Gladiators were pegged back early by Aloysious Odoi who got a hatrick.
He ripped through the top order with four wickets as the team slumped to 23/4 inside the powerplay.
Dan Keith Amani anchored the innings with a composed 28 off 34 balls, supported by Edwin Nuwagaba’s vital 18, as the Gladiators posted 107 all out.
Chasing 108, the Royals began cautiously, with Perry Wazombe and Anas Baig providing a steady start.
The momentum shifted in the powerplay when Suleman Sharif bowled a wicket-maiden, restricting the Royals’ middle order.
Despite Anas Baig’s fighting 37 off 38 balls and a brief lifeline offered by dropped catches, wickets fell in quick succession, and the Royals were bowled out for 100.
Amani’s all-round brilliance, including 3 wickets and a key runout, earned him Player of the Match.
Player of the Match: Dan Keith Amani – 3 wickets, 28 off 34 balls, 1 catch, 1 run-out
Tournament Highlights After Day Nine
- Leading run-scorer: Simon Ssesazi (Blasters) – 235 runs
- Leading wicket-taker: Baguma Joseph (Warriors) – 17 wickets
After 18 matches, the MAXX T20 Challenge Cup has seen 95 players combine for 4,077 runs from 3,906 balls, while 271 wickets have fallen.
Teams have hit 248 fours and 75 sixes, highlighting the tournament’s attacking cricket.
Bowling has remained a key feature, with four five-wicket hauls and two hat-tricks recorded, underlining the impact of high-quality bowling throughout the series.
- Highest team total: Blasters – 170/8
- Lowest team total: Titans – 70/6
- Highest individual score: Simon Ssesazi (Blasters) – 90
- Best bowling figures: Aziz Abdul Tandia (Gladiators) – 5/4
With the tournament moving into its critical stages, attention now turns to tomorrow’s action.
The Strikers face the Blasters in the morning, followed by Royals versus Warriors in the afternoon. With points and momentum on the line, another day of closely contested cricket is expected in the MAXX T20 Challenge Cup.
Points Table After Nine Days
| Position | Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Points | Net Run Rate (NRR) |
| 1 | Blasters | 6 | 5 | 1 | 10 | 1.4506 |
| 2 | Gladiators | 6 | 4 | 2 | 8 | -0.1484 |
| 3 | Strikers | 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 | -0.3098 |
| 4 | Warriors | 6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0.2551 |
| 5 | Royals | 6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | -0.1393 |
| 6 | Titans | 6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | -1.0879 |