Kidega named MVP as Central Rhinos win Batball X

Chris Kidega was named most valuable player (MVP) for the inaugural Batball X cricket tournament that came to a close on Sunday at Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala. The batting all-rounder was the Captain for the winning side Central Rhinos.

Kidega’s numbers were impressive thanks to his good display throughout the week-long competition. He had the most runs (174) and sixes (14) in the tournament. He also picked five wickets and managed seven catches in the campaign.

“This means a lot to me especially as Captain of the winning team. I feel good and I want to thank my team mates for the job well done,” Kidega said adding that Batball X has helped to improve the game of the players and this will benefit their clubs as well as the national team.

In the final against Rwanda Emerging, Kidega posted a half century (53 runs) as Central Rhinos posted 106/4 in 10.0/10 overs. His exploits on the crease were very vital for the team and he could have done more damage had he not been caught Blaise Rindiro following Israel Niyomugabo’s delivery.

Anas Baig (14 runs) and Owoli Obele (13 runs) were the other Central Rhinos players to post double figures in the final.

Central Rhinos hoisted the inaugural winners’ trophy of the Batball X on Sunday

However, for Rwanda Emerging who won the toss and opted to bowl first, their time on the crease was tough as five of their batsmen suffered a duck.

In the first over, Isae Niyomugabo and Yves Cyusa were both caught with just a single delivery. Chris Yusuf Namuhoranye also fell during the opening over without managing a single run with Christian Benihirwe following them moments later with nothing to his name.

Musa Majid and Sowobi Yunusu who each picked three wickets in the final did most of the damage. Kidega and Jaffer Ochaya picked two wickets each.

Meanwhile, it was Eloi Loic Abimbabazi who stabilized his side’s innings and he posted a team high 20 runs from 11 balls. Daniel Gumyusenge and Israel Mugisha both managed 14 runs and were the other Rwanda Emerging players to post double figures helping their side to post 71/0 in 9.3/10 overs.

The Sunday clash was the fourth time the two teams faced off in the competition. They met twice in the first round of the competition and once in the Super 4 stage, Central Rhinos won all the encounters.

Meanwhile, in the 3rd/4th position placement fixture between Nile Leopards and Eastern Buffaloes, the former picked a 26 runs victory after posting 104/4 in 10.0/10 overs with their rivals only managing 78/2 in 10.0/10 overs.

Dance/music group, Ghetto Kids graced the final and entertained revellers with their unique dancing styles moments after the final.