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Relentless Uganda seal perfect 10 to defend ILT20 crown
Ssenyondo was the MVP. PHOTO/COURTESY
What you need to know:
Clinical, Unbeaten, and Unrelenting. From a one-run thriller against Kenya in 2023, the Cricket Cranes dominated the ILT20 Continent Cup in Kigali to defend their title with ruthless precision and individual brilliance.
Uganda wrapped up a flawless title defence of the ILT20 Continent Cup - Africa in style, sweeping all 10 games to clinch the crown with a commanding 6-wicket victory over Nigeria in the final at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda, on December 15.
After clinching the inaugural edition in a pulsating one-run victory against Kenya at the Nairobi Gymkhana Oval in July 2023, Uganda returned to this year’s tournament with a point to prove. And prove they did—winning all 10 games in a ruthless, clinical campaign.
The unbeaten champions, under coach Abhay Sharma, were relentless throughout the tournament and sealed their supremacy despite a tricky start to the title decider.
Losing openers Shrideep Mangela and Robinson Obuya for ducks in the very first over would have rattled many teams, but Uganda’s cool-headed captain Riazat Ali Shah anchored the innings with a masterful unbeaten 42 off 49 balls.
Partnering with Dinesh Nakrani, who chipped in with 27 off 25, the pair navigated the chase with measured brilliance to overhaul Nigeria’s modest 89 all out in 17.3 overs.
“It has been an amazing tournament for us,” remarked Riazat, who was named Player of the Match. “It ended exactly how we wanted. We tested combinations throughout, and this will help us prepare for bigger challenges like the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Zimbabwe next September. The boys stayed focused, gave 100 percent in every game, and I am confident that this team will give Ugandan fans more joy in the tournaments to come.”
Ssenyondo MVP
Uganda’s bowling attack was nothing short of spectacular. Henry Ssenyondo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and leading wicket-taker, spearheaded the final with 3/12, taking his tournament tally to a staggering 22 wickets.
The veteran Frank Nsubuga struck early in the third over, and Juma Miyaji wrapped up the Nigerian innings, ensuring every bowler on the day registered at least one scalp.
Coach Abhay Sharma praised the clinical bowling display. “The pitch had served some time, and once we lost the toss, I was confident in our bowlers. Restricting Nigeria to 89 was key, and I asked the batters to play straight and carefully in the chase,” Sharma said.
Milestones galore
The Cricket Cranes’ journey to a perfect 10 wins showcased individual brilliance alongside collective dominance. Henry Ssenyondo’s heroics saw him surpass the coveted 100-wicket mark in T20 Internationals (now 118).
Robinson Obuya, despite a duck in the final, finished as the tournament’s top batter with 272 runs, including three half-centuries, to take his international tally to four.
Cricket Cranes celebrate winning the title in Kigali.
Team rookie Shrideep Ganpat Mangela notched his maiden T20I half-century earlier in the campaign, while Simon Ssesazi’s return saw him dust off the rust to score his 17th T20I fifty.
“We somewhat expected this result given the rankings,” Sharma added.
Nigeria (ranked 36), Botswana (50), and Rwanda (64) are globally ranked way below Uganda (22).
Thinking ahead
“For us, this tournament was about taking the first step towards World Cup qualification. Now, we’ll shift focus to the 50-over Challenge League B next year in Hong Kong.”
With this emphatic triumph, Uganda have not only defended their title but also established themselves as a powerhouse in the region. The Cricket Cranes’ unbeaten streak, individual milestones, and growing team cohesion offer a promising glimpse of what lies ahead as they gear up for the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier.
Uganda’s dominance was reflected in the team of the tournament, where six Ugandan players featured.
For now, the champions return home with their heads held high and the Continent Cup firmly in their grasp.
IT20 CONTINENT CUP – AFRICA
Nigeria 89/10 Uganda 90/4
Uganda won by 6 wickets (With 16 balls remaining)
INDIVIDUAL AWARDs
Most Valuable Player
Henry Ssenyondo (Uganda) 45.64 points
Best Batsman
Robinson Obuya (Uganda) 272 runs, 9 inns, Average: 30, Strike Rate: 140)
Best Bowler
Henry Ssenyondo (Uganda) 22 wickets, 10 inns, Economy: 4.32, Average: 7.45
Best Fielder
Didier Ndikubwimana (Rwanda) Caught Behind: 11, Stumped: 1. Assisted ROs: 5)
Player of the Match - Final
Riazat Ali Shah (Uganda) 42* & 3 fielding dismissals
Team of the Tournament:
Robinson Obuya (Uganda), Oscar Manishimwe (Rwanda), Sulaimon Runsewe (Nigeria), Riazat Ali Shah (captain, Uganda), Didier Ndikubimwana (wicketkeeper, Rwanda), Zappy Maurice Bimenyimana (Rwanda), Slyvester Okpe (Nigeria), Alpesh Ramjani (Uganda), Juma Miyaji (Uganda), Cosmas Kyewuta (Uganda), Henry Ssenyondo (Uganda). 12th man: Monroux Kassleman (Botswana).
