By 
Result for the final
Zimbabwe Emerging 77 all out in 15 overs
Uganda A 78/3 in 8.1 overs
Uganda A won by 7 wickets
In a dominant display of skill and determination, Uganda A emerged as champions of the inaugural RCA Emerging Invitational Tournament, defeating Zimbabwe Emerging by 7 wickets in the final.
The tournament, which followed a double round-robin format, culminated in a thrilling final where Uganda’s clinical performance ensured they secured the coveted title.
Uganda A’s campaign began with a solid win over Rwanda XI, comfortably securing a 7-wicket victory.
They then followed up with a 5-wicket win against Zimbabwe Emerging and a narrow 11-run victory over Rwanda A.
These victories showcased Uganda A’s balanced approach, with both bat and ball complementing each other well in the early stages of the tournament.
In the second round, Uganda A’s form remained strong.
They triumphed over the Select XI by 9 runs, and once again dominated Zimbabwe Emerging, winning by 54 runs.
However, they faced a setback in their final second-round match, losing to Rwanda A by 23 runs.
Despite this loss, Uganda A’s strong record of 6 wins from 7 matches secured them a spot in the final.
One of the defining features of Uganda A’s successful campaign was their bowlers’ outstanding performances.
In all six victories, the player of the match awards went to bowlers, with the pitch providing a favorable environment for spin and pace alike.
Ivan Baidu was a standout performer, earning three player-of-the-match awards, including one in the final, while Siraj Nsubuga, Ssebanjya Jonathan, and Musa Majidu each earned individual honors as well.
The team’s collective bowling effort, backed by a supportive pitch, proved to be a game-changer throughout the tournament.
The final, reduced to 15 overs per side due to rain, saw Zimbabwe Emerging winning the toss and opting to bat first.
However, their innings never gained momentum, and they were bowled out for a mere 77 runs in their allotted overs.
Uganda A, with their bowlers in top form, made quick work of the chase, reaching the target in just 8.1 overs, losing only three wickets along the way.
This clinical chase highlighted Uganda’s dominance, as they completed the tournament with a total of 10 points from 6 matches, finishing ahead of Zimbabwe Emerging, who ended with 8 points.
Uganda A’s coach, Davis Turinawe, praised the team’s overall performance and emphasized the tour’s key objectives.
“The primary goal of this tour was to provide exposure to many young players while also helping our senior players regain their form,”
said Turinawe.
The exposure to competitive cricket was invaluable for the development of emerging players, and the team’s overall success reflected the hard work and strategic planning that went into their preparation.
Captain Roger Mukasa also expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, acknowledging both the players’ performances and the support from fans.
“We are extremely grateful for the backing of our home fans, and we would like to thank the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) for their continuous support,”
Mukasa said.
“Players like Cyrus Kakuru have been exceptional, while Simon Ssesazi’s return to form with the bat has been crucial to our success.
” He also highlighted the importance of players like Ivan Baidu, who had made a successful comeback to the national team, contributing significantly with both bat and ball.
Mukasa also underscored the value of regular tours for the development of players:
“If we could get four or five tours like this annually, it would be invaluable for our players. It would provide them with the opportunity to hone their skills, regain form, and fight for spots on the national team.”
Uganda A’s triumph in the RCA Emerging Invitational Tournament marks a significant step forward for Uganda cricket.
The success of the team, coupled with the development of young talent, bodes well for the future of the sport in the country.
With a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging stars, Uganda A has shown that they can compete at a high level, and this victory will surely inspire future generations of cricketers.
The tournament has proven to be a vital platform for growth, and the hope is that more such opportunities will be provided in the future to continue nurturing talent and enhancing Uganda’s cricketing prospects
