Damani, Challengers in top clash

Otwani scored a beautiful century on his birthday last Sunday.

Kampala- Two years ago, Aziz Damani altered the status quo when they ended Tornado Bees’ four-peat to win the National Men’s Division One 50-Over League.

It is now two in a row for the men in yellow and green kit and their biggest threat yet has been Kutchi Tigers.

However, sport hates dominance and the cast of Damani’s rivals will grow by the day for as long they keep contending for the top honours here.
Now Challengers are their latest burden in the new season. Both sides are joint top with 21 points at the top of the charts after four matches.
Either of Damani or Challengers will fall when the two face-off at the lakeside Oval in Entebbe today.

“We have to win each match to stand a chance of retaining our trophy,” Damani skipper Ghulam Hunzai says. While they are record T20 Cup champions with three gongs, Challengers are also in dire need of a maiden 50-Over crown. Their fine start displays a team with huge intent.
“We are not undermining any opponent,” stated top-order batsman Hamu Kayondo. “We must give our all for each match,” he said. Challengers came closest to the league title when they came second in 2015.

Chart toppers
Both teams are leading in the statistics with Damani’s Brian Masaba top of the batting charts with 245 runs while Kayondo is second with 216 runs. Damani’s left-arm orthodox spinner Henry Ssenyondo, formerly with Challengers, leads the bowlers with 13 wickets.

He will be tasked to stop Kayondo, Arthur Kyobe, Arnold Otwani and Richard Agamire. Trevor Bukenya and Gerald Mubiru lead Challengers’ bowling unit against Saud Islam, Roger Mukasa and Riazat Ali.

NATIONAL CRICKET LEAGUE

DIVISION ONE - 10:30AM
Tornado vs. Tornado Bees, Lugogo
Challengers vs. Aziz Damani, Entebbe
DIVISION TWO
Jinja SS vs. Premier, Jinja

TABLE STANDINGS
1. Aziz Damani 21 points (4 matches)
2. Challengers 20 (4)
3. Kutchi Tigers 14 (5)
4. SKLPS 9 (3)
5. KICC 6 (3)
6. Tornado Bees 6 (4)
7. Patidar 5 (4)
8. Tornado 4 (3)