The MAXX T20 Challenge Cup action at Entebbe delivered two decisive results as the Royals returned to winning ways in the morning clash before the Blasters tightened their grip at the top of the table with another composed victory.
The Royals produced a much-needed response, edging past the Strikers by two wickets to climb off the bottom of the standings and move up to fourth place. Later in the day, the Blasters underlined their title credentials with a six-wicket win over the Warriors, opening a four-point gap at the summit.
Royals Hold Nerve to See Off Strikers
Put in to bat, the Strikers struggled for momentum after losing early wickets. Robinson Obuya and Hassan Bagaga were dismissed cheaply, leaving the side at 30/2 by the end of the powerplay. Timothy Kawanguzi top-scored with 22 as he and Robert Ajuna attempted to steady the innings, but disciplined bowling from the Royals ensured regular breakthroughs.
The Strikers were eventually restricted to 88/8 in their 20 overs, a total that still proved tricky on a testing surface.
The Royals’ chase began nervously when Hamid Munyigwa struck with a wicket maiden in the opening over, trapping Perry Wazombe lbw to leave the scoreboard reading 0/1. However, Anas Baig counterattacked superbly, swinging momentum with a crucial second-wicket stand of 54 runs.
Although Kassim Adam broke the partnership in the ninth over and wickets fell in clusters thereafter, Baig’s composure proved decisive. His well-crafted 54 off 37 balls guided the Royals to 89/8 in 16.5 overs, sealing a hard-fought victory.
Baig was deservedly named Player of the Match, also contributing two catches in the field.
Blasters Extend Lead with Commanding Win
In the afternoon encounter, the Warriors elected to bat first and were anchored by a fluent half-century from Ronald Lutaaya, who struck 50 off 38 balls. Beyond Lutaaya, however, support was limited as wickets fell steadily against a disciplined Blasters attack.
Pius Oloka led the bowling effort with three wickets, while Abraiz Mir Ali and Mathew Musinguzi chipped in with key breakthroughs to bowl the Warriors out for 116 in 19.2 overs.
The Blasters responded confidently in the chase, making a brisk start before Simon Ssesazi and Charles Musemeza laid a solid foundation. A brief middle-order wobble followed, but captain Kenneth Waiswa ensured there was no panic.
Waiswa played a mature, controlled innings, rotating the strike effectively and keeping the required rate in check. With support from Yashashvi Joshi, the Blasters cruised to 117/4 in 17.5 overs.
Waiswa’s all-round contribution, including an unbeaten 33 and a wicket earlier in the match, earned him the Player of the Match award.
Tournament Snapshot
After 16 matches, the MAXX T20 Challenge Cup continues to deliver competitive cricket. A total of 3,691 runs have been scored by 94 players, with 235 wickets falling so far. The tournament has also produced four five-wicket hauls and a hat-trick, underlining the quality of bowling on display.
Leading run-scorer: Simon Ssesazi (Blasters) – 235 runs
Leading wicket-taker: Baguma Joseph (Warriors) – 17 wickets
Highest team total: Blasters – 170/8
Lowest team total: Titans – 77/7
