Strikers are their own worst enemy. They decided to bat on a dump wicket in the morning after winning the toss curtailing their slogging game thus failing to post a decent total in the 5 wicket loss to Avengers.
Captain Frank Akankwasa tried to vindicate his decision with a fighting 45 but in the end the 105 set by Strikers wasn’t enough condemning them to 5 wicket loss to Avengers.
In a game Strikers were clear favorites, Arun Panchal (55) tore into the bowling of John Tumusiime who conceded 34 runs in his 2 overs. And with 6 runs required off the final over, Aloysius Odoi had kept his side in the game until an inside edge for 4 put a dagger in the hearts of Strikers giving Avengers a 5 wicket win with a ball to spare.
In the afternoon game against T20 champions Challengers, Strikers came out of the blocks fast scoring 35 runs in 2 overs but a dreadful run out between Frank Akankwasa and Derrick Bakunzi signaled the end of the chase with Strikers falling short by 18 runs.
Strikers bowled brilliantly especially in the second game restringing a powerful Challengers batting line up to only 134 thanks largely to a late cameo from Daniel Ruyange (37) and Hamu Kayondo (30) at the top of the order.
Despite the early stroke play by openers Simon Oketcho and Perry Wazombe for Strikers, Irfan Afridi threw a spanner in the works picking 4/14 in his 4 overs for Challengers thereby deflating the Strikers chase.
The win for Challengers keeps them on course for the knock out stage place but they have a small matter of Damani to deal with in Group B but none the less, they are certain of making the quarterfinal.
Challengers Captain Ivan Thawithemwira was relieved after they survived Strikers onslaught
They are a talented group of boys. I had told you earlier they’re not to be taken lightly. We knew what to expect and we saw it on display. But thank God, He saw us through and helped us execute our plans.
Strikers semi finalists last year on the other hand will have to wait on other results to be sure of making the knock out stages.
Entebbe Oval
Strikers CC 105/5 lost to Avengers CC 106/5 in 15.4 overs by 5 wickets
Toss won by Strikers who opted to bat
Batting Strikers: Frank Akankwasa 45(27), Derrick Bakunzi 12(13)
Bowling Avengers: Ahmed Wazeem 1/11 in 1 over
Batting Avengers: Arun Panchal 55(39), Yash Bhat 18(33)
Bowling Strikers: Odoi Aloysius 2/15 in 3.4 overs
Man of match: Arun Panchal 55(39)
Challengers 132/7 in 20 overs beat Strikers CC 114/9 in 20 overs by 18 runs
Toss won by Challengers who opted to bat
Batting Challengers: Hamu Kayondo 30(15), Daniel Ruyange 37(24)
Bowling Strikers: Derrick Bakunzi 3/26 in 4 overs
Batting Strikers: frank Akankwasa 40(44)
Bowling Challengers: Irfan Afridi 4/14 in 4 overs
Man of match: Irfan Afridi 4/14 in 4 overs