By 
Result
Wanderers CC
148 all out in 31.4 overs
Nyakasura CC
136/8 in 24.5 /39 overs (revised target 133)
Nyakasura CC won by 2 Wickets (D/L)
The riveting clash between Wanderers Cricket Club and Nyakasura Cricket Club in the UCA Men’s National League unfolded at the prestigious Lugogo Cricket Oval, revealing a compelling narrative of redemption and strategic prowess.
Nyakasura, seeking vengeance after a previous season’s humbling defeat by 150 runs against Wanderers, orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, clinching victory by 2 wickets through the application of the Duckworth-Lewis method.
The tone was set by Nyakasura’s skipper, Pascal Murungi, who, having won the toss, astutely opted to bowl first following a meticulous inspection of the wicket.
Wanderers grappled with the challenge of a slow wicket, losing early wickets, including Hitesh Prajapti and Suleman Shariff.
Wanderers in their New Jersey.
Despite facing adversity, the middle-order duo of Ivan Kakande and Abu Seguya exhibited commendable batting stability until the 24th over when Mathew Musinguzi dismissed Kakande who left after scoring 29 off 42 balls.
Abu Seguya’s noteworthy contribution of 47 off 62 balls was pivotal, yet Wanderers posted a modest 148 all out in 31.4 overs.
Debutant Tatenda Memory Gerem, hailing from Zimbabwe, made a dream start at Wanderers CC, contributing 4 runs and showcasing brilliance in the field as he took a beautiful catch.
At the forefront of Nyakasura Cricket Club’s bowling prowess was Joseph Baguma, showcasing remarkable skill by claiming 4 wickets and conceding 24 runs in an impressive spell spanning 7 overs.
Nyakasura boys singing their anthem.
Baguma’s stellar performance earned him not only accolades on the field but also the coveted Player of the Match award.
Complementing Baguma’s excellence, Mathew Musinguzi demonstrated his bowling prowess by taking three wickets and conceding 25 runs in 7.4 overs.
The precision and effectiveness of Musinguzi’s bowling contributed significantly to Nyakasura’s formidable performance.
Keith Dan Amani added to the bowling charge with his formidable pace, securing two crucial wickets. Amani’s skill and precision on the field proved instrumental in maintaining pressure on the opposition.
Action during the game.
As the second innings commenced, a rain interruption during the 5th over led to a temporary halt, resulting in the loss of 11 overs and triggering the intervention of the Duckworth-Lewis method, revising the target to 133 runs.
A pivotal run-out of Nyakasura’s Ahura Amos by Byaruhanga Jospeh proved costly, as Amos had provided a promising start with 35 off 26 balls.
Nevertheless, resilient batting from Nyakasura’s remaining players propelled them to victory, reaching the revised target of 136/8 in 24.5 overs.
Sulaiman Shariff, formerly associated with Challengers Cricket Club, combined forces with Muhammad Shaff, a former player at Daman, and Magwa Arthur to each secure two wickets for Wanderers Cricket Club. Unfortunately, their collective efforts proved insufficient in defending Wanderers’ modest score.
The absence of Wanderers captain Davis Karashani in the starting lineup was notable, and his strategic insights could have influenced the outcome, especially considering his previous century against Nyakasura.
Additionally, the partnership between Kakande and Abu demonstrated confidence and longevity, prompting reflection on whether extending their innings could have worn out Nyakasura players and potentially altered the game’s trajectory, perhaps lasting until the 40th over to secure more runs for Wanderers.
