By 
Result
Morning game
SKLPS CC 75/5 in 17 overs
Soroti City CC 75/4 in 16.3 overs
Soroti City CC won by 6 wickets
Afternoon game
Soroti City CC 109 all out 17.4
SKLPS CC 83/8 in 20 overs
Soroti City CC won by 26 runs
In a series of nail-biting encounters, Soroti City Cricket Club showcased their mettle by clinching double wins against SKLPS Cricket Club, securing a coveted spot in the semifinals of the UCA Men’s T20 Championship League.
The city’s cricket enthusiasts were treated to a spectacle as Soroti City, adorned in their new jerseys freshly arrived from India, displayed remarkable prowess on the field.
Assessing the slow-scoring wicket in the morning game, Captain Ebulu Ronald’s decision to bowl first proved instrumental as the team gained an early advantage.
Ochen Peter’s breakthrough in the opening over, coupled with Malinga Jacob’s economical spell, a maiden in the second over set the tone for Soroti City’s dominance.
Despite a challenging pitch, Soroti City’s disciplined bowling restricted SKLPS to a modest total of 74 runs.
Soroti City chased down the target with determination, securing victory by six wickets.
Former under-19 sensation Omara Ronald, who spent the previous season with the Kutch Tigers Cricket Club, made his debut for Soroti City Cricket Club.
Omara Ronald (L) with his elder brother Ogwang Wilfred (R) before the game commenced
Displaying his talent as a wicketkeeper-batsman, he notched up a commendable 15 runs from 34 deliveries in his maiden appearance for the team.
The morning triumph indeed provided Soroti City with a boost of momentum.
However, in the subsequent afternoon match, when they were tasked with setting a total after losing the toss, Soroti City found themselves all out for 109 runs.
Despite commendable efforts from Omara Ronald, who contributed 22 runs off 25 deliveries, and skipper Ebulu Ronald, who scored 29 runs off 26 balls, the team fell short of maximizing their batting potential.
Although they started strongly, with a promising score of 46/1 at the end of the power play, the subsequent batters struggled to maintain momentum.
In the defense, the stellar bowling performance of coach-player Derrick Bakunzi was instrumental in Soroti City’s efforts.
Bakunzi’s remarkable spell, claiming four wickets while conceding only 12 runs at an economy rate of 3 in his allotted four overs, played a crucial role in defending the modest total.
Derrick Bakunzi while receiving his reward from Chairman SCA- Musana Felix after the game
His exceptional performance showcased the depth of talent within the team and proved vital in securing victory despite the challenging circumstances.
Skipper Ebulu Ronald showcased exceptional skills on the field, securing three remarkable catches.
Additionally, emerging talent Ainebyona Alban proved to be another standout fielder, impressively snatching two catches at long off.
Alban’s stellar performance even earned him a monetary reward from the president of Soroti Cricket Academy, Mr. Richard Oluka.
Malinga Jacob demonstrated his bowling prowess by claiming two crucial wickets in the game, bringing his total tally to 8 wickets.
This achievement elevated him to the second position on the bowling statistics log, highlighting his valuable contribution to Soroti City Cricket Club’s success.
Malinga Jacob’s two wickets in the game further solidified his position as a formidable bowler, placing him second on the bowling statistics log with a total tally of eight wickets.
Soroti City’s comprehensive victory in the second game, securing a 26-run win, reaffirmed their dominance in Group A and positioned them favorably for the upcoming semifinals, where they are poised to face off against Rounders, likely to finish second in Group B.
Currently topping the table with 13 points from 8 games, Soroti City Cricket Club’s stellar performance not only cements their place in the semifinals but also positions them well for promotion to the top flight.
As they gear up for the semifinal clash, Soroti City’s strategic brilliance and unwavering determination make them a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing arena.
While Chairman Musana Felix of Soroti Cricket Academy expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s sluggish batting display in both games, he remained pleased with the overall victory.
He also took the opportunity to extend gratitude to the Batball organization for their invaluable support in acquiring the team’s new jerseys.
