Ronald Lutaaya was the main man at Lugogo Cricket Oval on Sunday after he posted 116 runs off 65 balls, helping Itanda Kayakers beat Bujagali Rafters by 29 runs (189/3 in 20 overs against 160/10 in 19.2 overs) in the final of the Men’s Waterfalls T20 League.
Lutaaya’s 116 runs comprised of 15 boundaries, that is; 6 Fours and 9 Sixes. It was the first century of the four-day showpiece and the Aziz Damani Club and Baby Cricket Cranes star was named player of the match and as well as player of the tournament. He walked home with lots of cash and he shared the moment with his mother Deziranta Namigadde and the fans.
“I’m very excited about this. It has not been easy, it has been a journey that I attribute to hardwork. I’m happy that we won as a team, the century is a bonus,” Lutaaya said adding that his mother has been very supportive throughout his career.
Lutaaya was bound to dominate proceedings on Sunday as he hit the half century mark (50 runs) with 10 overs down the road. His batting partner then Anas Baig was on 22 runs off 24 balls as Itanda Kayakers were on 87/1.
Lutaaya hit the 100 runs mark off 58 balls and after making two quick runs with his batting partner Riazat Ali Shah who was also captain for the franchise side, he received a standing ovation from the crowd and the players.
Lutaaya would later hit a six in the next ball forcing fans on the stands to do some fielding for the ball flew direct to them. Moments later, Riazat Ali Shah hit another six and this time round the ball went over the perimeter wall of the Jinja Road end.
Lutaaya was however bowled out after he reached 116 runs from 56 balls. Pius Oloka ensured that Lutaaya became Kayakers’ second wicket to fall down after Anas Baig (27 runs) but it was clear that Bujagali Rafters would have a wide chase in their innings. Riazat Ali Shah posted 25 runs.
For Bujagali Rafters, Munir Ismael was the standout player with 43 runs from 26 balls (4 Fours and 2 Sixes). He was ran out by Riazat Ali Shah and Ignace Ntirenganya.
Skipper Brian Masaba also national team captain came close with 33 runs from 24 balls and once he was bowled out by Bilal Hassan, it was almost game over for the Rafters.
Roger Mukasa (38 runs) and Robinson Obuya (26 runs) were the other players to manage double figures for the Rafters.
The closing ceremony was graced by Hon. Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku, the Minister of State for National Guidance.
Meanwhile, the tournament partners were; Batball, Plascon, Blink Logistics, UCA, Roke Telecom, Pepsi, Kenbright, Nile Special and Century Cinemax.
