After the first round of the Batball X, Nile Leopards and Central Rhinos were unbeaten in Group A and B respectively after dominating proceedings at Jinja SS Oval and Lugogo Cricket Oval respectively. They were the only perfect sides in the opening stage of the competition.
However, in the second phase of the tournament dubbed the Super 4 stage currently played at Lugogo, there are no more perfect teams after the opening day of the second chapter of the competition played on Friday delivered absolute stunners and thrillers.
In the opening match between Nile Leopards and Central Rhinos, it was hard to predict the winner because both sides were perfect in the first phase of the competition but at the end of proceedings, it was the former that came atop.
Central Rhinos faced a challenging task against a resilient Nile Leopards bowling attack, restricting them to 65/6 in 10 overs. Nile Leopards chased down the target with just 3 balls remaining, clinching victory by 3 wickets (66/7 in 9.3/10 overs) condemning their rivals to a maiden defeat. The contest showcased the tenacity of both teams and set the tone for a day of intense cricket battles.
For Nile Leopards, Edigar Mudola who was unbeaten on the crease led the way with 13 runs. Hassan Bagaga who was bowled by Chris Kidega was the other player to post double figures (11 runs).
Joseph Ochaya led the way for Central Rhinos who were very familiar with the venue. He posted a team high 16 runs from 14 balls with his tally comprising of 1 four and 1 six. He was bowled by Pius Oloka.
Musa Majid was unbeaten on the crease and he managed 15 runs from 8 balls. Yunusu Sowobi (12 runs) was the other Central Rhinos’ player to manage double figures, he also picked three wickets.
The second match featured Rwanda Emerging against Eastern Buffaloes, delivering a contrasting performance. Rwanda Emerging’s batting order displayed their prowess, accumulating a commanding total of 132/3. The Eastern Buffaloes’ response was met with a resilient bowling effort, resulting in a total of 65/8. Rwanda Emerging emerged triumphant by 67 runs, showcasing their dominance in this encounter.
Isae Niyomugabo was unbeaten on the crease posting a half century (53 runs) as Rwanda Emerging enjoyed their innings.
Eloi Loic Abimbabazi who was also unbeaten on the crease followed with 42 runs. Chris Yusuf Namuhoranye also posted double figures after managing 10 runs.
For Eastern Buffaloes, Peter Ocen (16 runs), Juma Sururu (16 runs) and Joseph Apollo (10 runs) were the best performers on the crease.
In the final game of the day, Rwanda Emerging who lost two games in the first phase of the tournament condemned Nile Leopards to their maiden defeat in the competition beating them by 3 wickets.
Nile Leopards’ batting order faced challenges against Rwanda Emerging’s bowlers, eventually posting a total of 76/10. The chase came down to the wire as Rwanda Emerging exhibited composure under pressure, securing victory (80/7 in 10 overs).
Francois Zirahangaje led the way for the Rwandan side with a team high 19 runs from eight balls. He was however caught by Pius Oloka following Edigar Mudola’s delivery.
Albeit posting a game high 21 runs from 15 balls, Timothy Muwanguzi’s Nile Leopards could not complete a double on Friday.
Saturday is such a crucial day as it will determine the top two sides to face off in the final to be played on Sunday. Still on Sunday, a 3rd/4th position playoff will be played.
Batball X Super 4 stage
Day 1 results
Central Rhinos – 65/6
Nile Leopards – 66/7
Nile Leopards won by 3 wickets
Rwanda Emerging – 132/3
Eastern Buffaloes – 65/8
Rwanda Emerging won by 67 runs
Nile Leopards – 76/10
Rwanda Emerging – 80/7
Rwanda Emerging won by 3 wickets
Day 2 fixtures
Eastern Buffaloes Vs Nile Leopards
Central Rhinos Vs Rwanda Emerging
Central Rhinos Vs Eastern Buffaloes
