By 
Match result
Aziz Daman Ismaili 153/9 in 20 overs
Mukono Warriors 130/ 5 in 20 overs
Aziz Daman Ismaili won by 23 runs
In an engaging friendly match held this afternoon at Lugogo Cricket Oval, Aziz Daman Ismaili Community Cricket Club edged past Mukono Warriors Cricket Club.
Despite rain interruptions, the Ismaili team posted an impressive 153 runs in 20 overs, setting a challenging target.
Shamsher Ali top-scored with 30 runs, closely followed by Asif Lalani with 29.
Mukono Warriors contributed significantly to their own downfall by conceding 22 extras, which ultimately proved decisive.
Mukono’s new additions, Harsh Panchal and Jignesh Vekariya, stood out with two wickets each.
In response, Mukono Warriors made a strong start with Alpesh Mepani scoring 41 and Ankur Thakur adding 28.
At 94/3 after 15 overs, they seemed poised to chase the target but eventually fell short, managing only 130 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
The friendly served as a litmus test for both teams ahead of the UCA National League, which is anticipated to begin in a month’s time.
Speaking after the game, Mukono Warriors’ Alpesh Mepani emphasized the need to cut down on extras and focus on tighter bowling channels.
The absence of key players Hemant Hirani and Nitish Vekariya, expressing optimism that their presence could have improved the outcome.
Alpesh added
Mukono Warriors also fielded their new recruit, Harsh Panchal, a Cricket Cranes bowling all-rounder, who recently joined from Avengers Cricket Club.
While Harsh did not reveal his reasons for leaving Avengers, he expressed satisfaction with his new team, stating he already feels at home.
The Mukono Warriors are affiliated to the Mukono Cricket Community, which collaborates with the local Indian community to field players.
This partnership provides developing players with opportunities, as Mukono Warriors seek to improve on their debut season last year, where they managed only one win in eight games during the UG20 League.
With such matches, both teams aim to sharpen their skills as they gear up for the competitive season ahead.
PICTORIAL
A group photo for both Aziz Daman Ismaili and Mukono Warriors
