Budondo Turacos completed a remarkable late season resurgence to claim the inaugural Nile Super T10 title with a five wicket victory over Masese Hornbills in Sunday’s final at Jinja Secondary School Cricket Ground.
Having struggled through the round robin phase and only just secured a place in the knockout stage, the Turacos produced their best cricket when it mattered most, defeating table toppers Bugembe Pelicans in the semi finals before overcoming Masese Hornbills to be crowned champions.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Budondo Turacos delivered a disciplined bowling performance to restrict Masese Hornbills to 71 for five in their allotted 10 overs.
Edwin Nuwagaba top scored with 19 off 11 deliveries, while Daniel Muhumuza remained unbeaten on 15.
Robert Ajuna starred with the ball for the Turacos, returning impressive figures of three wickets for 13 runs in two overs. Sowobi Yunus and Sajjabi Ibrahim chipped in with a wicket apiece to keep the Hornbills in check.
In reply, the Turacos endured an uncertain start before Mudoola Edgar shifted the momentum with a quickfire 21 off just nine balls.
Player of the Match Eddy Agaba then anchored the chase with an unbeaten 20 from 14 deliveries as Budondo Turacos reached 72 for five in nine overs. Sowobi Yunus struck the winning run to seal victory with one over to spare.
The triumph capped an extraordinary campaign for Budondo Turacos, who managed just two victories from eight matches during the league phase and finished fourth on the standings, the final qualification spot for the semi finals.
Their difficult journey began with successive defeats to Bugembe Pelicans and Masese Hornbills before they registered their first victory against Walukuba Eagles. Another setback against Kimaka King Fishers was followed by a second win over Walukuba Eagles, leaving them with a modest record heading into the knockout rounds.
However, the Turacos found another gear when it mattered most. They stunned top seeded Bugembe Pelicans with a commanding seven wicket victory in the semi finals before completing another composed chase against Masese Hornbills to become the first champions of the Nile Super T10 tournament.
Kimaka King Fishers’ Calvin Watuwa was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Best Batter after an outstanding campaign, while Masese Hornbills’ Pushprit Singh claimed the Best Bowler award.
