The Itanda Kayakerz endured a dramatic double-header at the Lugogo Cricket Oval, opening their day with a composed five-wicket victory before being brought crashing back to earth by a ruthless Bujjagali Rafters side that posted a tournament-record total in the Waterfalls Men’s Elite competition.
Morning game: Kayakerz Register first win
Karuma Rapids vs Itanda Kayakerz
Karuma Rapids: 165/8 (20 overs)
Itanda Kayakerz: 166/5 (18 overs)
Result: Itanda Kayakerz won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Perry Wazombe
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Karuma Rapids set a competitive target of 165, built on steady contributions throughout their lineup. Paul Mulongo led the scoring with 29 off 23 balls, while captain Kenneth Waiswa added 28 from 20. Charles Musemeza (24) and Lutaaya Ronald (21) provided early momentum, but disciplined bowling from the Kayakerz prevented the Rapids from accelerating late.
Abraiz Mir Ali, Siraje Nsubuga, and Baidhu Ivan each claimed two wickets, keeping the chase within reach.
The reply got off to a shaky start as Simon Ssesazi fell on the first ball, but Perry Wazombe quickly took control. Her commanding 70 off 40 balls, featuring six fours and five sixes, swung the contest decisively in Itanda’s favour. Anas Baig anchored the innings with a calm, unbeaten 41, while useful cameos from Patel Devansh and Pius Oloka ensured the Kayakerz crossed the line with two overs to spare.
The win marked Itanda’s first of the tournament and earned them two valuable points.
Afternoon game: Rafters run riot
Bujjagali Rafters vs Itanda Kayakerz
Bujjagali Rafters: 243/6 (20 overs)
Itanda Kayakerz: 150/8 (20 overs)
Result: Bujjagali Rafters won by 93 runs
Player of the Match: Robinson Obuya
Any momentum Itanda carried from the morning evaporated in the afternoon as the Bujjagali Rafters produced a devastating batting display to record the highest total in tournament history.
Despite losing the toss, the Rafters attacked from the outset. Fahad Mutagana’s brisk 24 off 12 balls set the tone before Robinson Obuya unleashed a breathtaking assault. Obuya smashed 75 from just 31 deliveries, striking eight sixes at a strike rate exceeding 240. Gerald Olipa maintained the pressure with a powerful 52 off 28 balls, as the Kayakerz bowlers struggled to find answers.
Late contributions from Robert Ajuna, Joseph Baguma, and unbeaten knocks by Richard Sohera and Simon Oketcho propelled the Rafters to a formidable 243/6, eclipsing their own previous tournament best of 221.
Chasing 244, the Kayakerz were immediately on the back foot. Simon Ssesazi showed early intent with 28, while Anas Baig top-scored with a fighting 51, but regular wickets and a climbing required rate extinguished any realistic hopes of a comeback.
Simon Oketcho led a disciplined bowling effort, with Sowobi Yunus and Ali Balidawa also picking up two wickets each, as Itanda closed on 150/8 — well short of the target.
The emphatic 93-run victory reinforced the Rafters’ dominance in the competition, while the Kayakerz were left to reflect on a day of stark contrasts.
Attention now turns to Karuma Rapids, who face a demanding double-header on the next matchday, taking on the Bujjagali Rafters in the morning before returning to face the Itanda Kayakerz in the afternoon — a true test of squad depth and resilience.
