The quarterfinal stage of the Uganda Cricket Series UG20 2025, held on today delivered high drama, stunning upsets, and spirited performances as four teams booked their spots in the semifinals.
Defending champions Wanderers and powerhouse Kutchi Tigers were both knocked out, while debutants GM Sugar and underdogs Ismaili Community stole the show with fearless cricket.
Ceylon Lions vs Avengers – Entebbe Cricket Oval
In a repeat of last year’s quarter final, Avengers CC avenged their previous heartbreak by defeating Ceylon Lions in a rain-shortened thriller.
The match, reduced to six overs per side due to morning showers, saw Avengers prevail by 13 runs in a nail-biting contest.
Batting first, Avengers posted 70/5, thanks to a blistering 24 off 9 balls from Abraiz Mir Ali and a crucial late cameo from David Wabwire (6* off 2). Sunil Kumar shone for the Lions with 3/19, keeping the chase alive.
In reply, Ceylon Lions began explosively, smashing 21 runs in the opening over led by Robinson Obuya’s 26 off 9 balls.
However, Avengers’ bowlers held their nerve—Yashashvi Joshi (2/11) and Pius Oloka (1/6) delivering under pressure to restrict the Lions to 57/5.
With the win, Avengers advanced to the semifinals, showcasing teamwork, precision bowling, and calm execution in a tense finish.
Player of the Match: Yashashvi Joshi – 9 (6), SR 150.00; 2–0–11–2, Econ 5.50
GM Sugar vs Rounders – Lugogo Cricket Oval
At Lugogo, UG20 debutants GM Sugar CC produced the upset of the round, knocking out last year’s runners-up Rounders CC with a commanding nine-wicket victory.
Rounders, batting first, struggled to find momentum, managing 84/4 in 13 overs.
Steven Wabwose held the innings together with a patient 43 off 37, while Brian Masaba added 16.
GM Sugar’s disciplined attack—led by Karan Patel (2/17) and tight support from Vinitkumar and Bhaveshbhai Patel—never let the batters settle.
In response, GM Sugar’s batting was ruthless. Bhaveshbhai Khapabhai Patel blasted an unbeaten 55 off 35 balls, including five sixes and two fours, while captain Mehulkumar Patel contributed 23. They reached the target in 9.3 overs, storming into the semifinals in style.
Player of the Match: Bhaveshbhai Khapabhai Patel – 55* (35), SR 157.14; 3–0–21–1, Econ 7.00
Wanderers vs Aboojo – Lugogo Cricket Oval
The defending champions Wanderers CC crashed out of the tournament after a heavy six-wicket loss to a resurgent Aboojo CC.
Batting first, Wanderers struggled for rhythm, posting 133/9 in their 20 overs. Joseph Byaruhanga
(28 off 17) and Mandeep Singh (16 off 12) offered brief resistance, but Brian Asaba (2/29) and Mathew Musinguzi (1/18) ensured Wanderers never built momentum.
Aboojo’s chase was clinical.
Joseph Baguma tore into the bowling with 39 off 19 balls, while Pascal Murungi calmly anchored with 44 not out*. They reached the target in just 14 overs, sealing a statement win and sending the reigning champions home early.
Player of the Match: Joseph Baguma – 39 (19), SR 205.26; 4–0–25–1, Econ 6.25
Ismaili Community vs Kutchi Tigers – Entebbe Cricket Club
In one of the biggest shocks of the tournament, Ismaili Community CC, a Division Two side, stunned the mighty Kutchi Tigers CC by 14 runs to reach the semifinals.
Batting first, Ismaili posted 136/5 in their 20 overs, built around a masterful 77 off 57 balls from Pervaiz Ali, who combined elegance with power.
Kamran Wali Khan chipped in with 24 as Kutchi’s bowlers—Ghanshyam Ashani and Alpesh Hirani—toiled for control.
Kutchi’s chase started brightly through Cyrus Kakuru’s 46 off 26, but Ismaili’s bowlers turned the tide.
Nazim Punjwani (3/16) spun webs around the middle order, while Ghulam Hunzai and Kamran Wali Khan kept the pressure on, sealing a famous victory and eliminating one of the tournament favorites.
Player of the Match: Pervaiz Ali – 77 (57), SR 135.09; 1–0–13–0
What to Watch Going Forward:
- Can GM Sugar’s fairy tale run continue as they chase a semifinal upset?
- Will Avengers’ redemption story drive them toward their first UG20 title?
- Can Ismaili Community defy the odds again against higher-ranked opponents?
- Will Aboojo’s balanced unit carry their momentum into the semis?
As the UG20 2025 heads into its final stages, the competition has delivered shockwaves, standout performances, and thrilling narratives—proving once again that in Uganda’s premier cricket showdown, anything can happen.
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