Uganda moved a step closer to the ILT20 Continent Cup final after defeating Botswana by five wickets at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium Main Oval in Kigali on Wednesday.
The Cricket Cranes, who won the toss and elected to bowl on an unpredictable surface, restricted Botswana to 119 for eight in 20 overs before chasing down the target in 15 overs to record their fifth victory of the tournament.
The win lifted Uganda to 10 points from six matches, leaving them second in the standings behind unbeaten Kenya, who have 12 points. Hosts Rwanda are third on eight points from seven matches.
With the top two teams advancing to Saturday’s final, Uganda now have two crucial round-robin matches remaining against Rwanda and Kenya.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah finally won the toss and opted to bowl, a decision that paid immediate dividends when slow left-arm orthodox bowler Matthew Musinguzi dismissed Monroux Kasselman with the first legal delivery of the match.
Uganda maintained the pressure throughout the powerplay, taking three early wickets as Botswana struggled to build a strong foundation.
Vinoo Balakrishnan offered some resistance with 36 off 28 balls, including three fours and two sixes, but his dismissal in the 11th over left Botswana further exposed.
Abel Botlhe Keganne then anchored the innings with a composed 42 off 47 balls, hitting four fours and a six. He received valuable support from Katlo Piet, who finished unbeaten on 20 off 17 deliveries, as Botswana reached 119 for eight from their 20 overs.
Joseph Baguma and Cosmas Kyewuta were Uganda’s leading bowlers, taking three wickets apiece. Baguma finished with three for 20 from four overs, while Kyewuta returned three for 26 from his four-over spell.
Musinguzi and Enock Kasaija claimed one wicket each.
Uganda’s pursuit was not entirely comfortable, but the Cricket Cranes maintained their attacking approach to reach 125 for five in 15 overs.
Robinson Obuya gave Uganda a fast start, scoring 32 off 22 balls with five fours and a six.
Charles Musemeza continued his impressive tournament with an explosive 39 off just 25 deliveries. He struck three fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 156.
Gerald Olipa added further acceleration, hitting 19 from eight balls, including two sixes and a four.
Botswana’s Katlo Piet claimed four of Uganda’s five wickets, but Uganda had already taken control of the chase.
Riazat remained unbeaten on 17 off 17 balls, while vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa was not out on 13 off 14 deliveries as Uganda reached 125 for five after 15 overs.
The victory was achieved with 30 balls to spare.
Uganda now face hosts Rwanda on Thursday before taking on unbeaten Kenya on Friday morning.
Rwanda go into the Uganda clash with momentum after beating Sierra Leone by six wickets in their latest match, while Kenya remain at the top of the standings without a defeat.
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