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Result
Ceylon Lions CC 117 all out in 33.1 overs
Rounders CC 118/9 in 23.3 overs
Rounders CC won by 1 Wickets
The match held at Serenity Oval in Kamengo unfolded as a gripping encounter, with Century Rounders Cricket Club clinching a narrow victory over Ceylon Lions Cricket Club by a solitary wicket.
This friendly match showdown was vital for Rounders Cricket Club, setting the stage for their upcoming semifinal clash against Avengers Cricket Club, which will decide their promotion to division one.
Ceylon Lions, winning the toss, elected to bat first under challenging conditions due to a wet outfield from heavy rain, reducing the match from 50 to 40 overs.
Despite this, they managed only 117 runs before being all out in 33.1 overs.
Krish Patel anchored with 30 off 73 balls, supported by Charles Musemeza’s brisk 22 off 21, along with contributions from Aditya Chandra (14) and Brighton Muganzi (11).
The Rounders’ bowling attack was spearheaded by former under-19 standout Pius Oloka, who shone brightly with 3 wickets for just 16 runs in 4.1 overs.
Hussein Yasin Ngobi also made an impact with 2 crucial wickets, while Daudi Mwesigwa and Sohera Richard chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Meanwhile, Rounders’ skipper Irishad Suleman played a stellar role in the chase, contributing 44 off 42 balls, supported by Oloka’s solid 33 off 35.
Zulu Walaza also contributed with 10 runs off 21 balls while other batters did not contribute much for Rounders Cricket Club.
Ceylon Lions opening bowler Akbar posed a significant threat to the Rounders’ batting lineup, claiming an impressive 4 wickets, while Hasith Dilhara and Moheeb Rahman took 2 wickets each.
Despite their efforts, Ceylon Lions’ fielding ultimately turned the tide, resulting in Rounders’ narrow win by a solitary wicket.
In the post-match discussion, seasoned players Arnold Tembo, Irishad Suleman, Daudi Mwesigwa, and Zulu Walaza expressed disappointment with the under-19 stars’ performance, highlighting their recent participation in the Easter Youth ODI series without replication of that form in this critical game.
Some of the Under-19 in Rounders (L-R)
Nyiro Jonathan, Sebowa Emmanuel and Oloka Pius
Walaza also highlighted that Rounders is on the cusp of division one and urged dedication towards achieving promotion, hinting at potential friendly matches for further preparation.
These strategic reflections and preparations now set the stage for Century Rounders’ crucial semifinal against Avengers Cricket Club on May 5th, a pivotal step towards their division one ambitions. This match promises to be a defining moment in their season, encapsulating the passion and determination of this spirited club.
