Cricket Cranes smash Sierra Leone to open ILT20 Continent Cup defence in style

What the report says

Uganda’s Cricket Cranes began their ILT20 Continent Cup title defence with a commanding win over Sierra Leone in Kigali, Rwanda, on Wednesday, according to Nile Post. Uganda posted 250 for three in 20 overs at Gahanga Cricket Stadium B, setting what the report described as a new national record for the highest men’s T20 International total, before restricting Sierra Leone to 136 for four and winning by 114 runs.

The innings was built around several strong contributions. Charles Musemeza made 89 on his international debut, Robinson Obuya added 37, Gerald Olipa finished unbeaten on 83 from 34 balls, and captain Riazat Ali Shah struck 32 not out from only eight deliveries. The late surge helped Uganda score 46 runs in the final two overs and leave Sierra Leone with a steep chase of 251.

Sierra Leone’s reply was led by Alusine Turay, who scored 78, but Uganda’s bowlers kept control. Juma Miyaji took two wickets for 18 runs, while vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa claimed two for 20. Olipa was named Player of the Match for his debut performance.

The result gave Uganda two points as it continued its push for a third straight Continent Cup title after previous wins in Nairobi in 2023 and Kigali in 2024. Uganda is scheduled to face Botswana in its next league match in Kigali on Thursday.