The third version of the ILT20 Continental Cup ended on Saturday, September 19, with Kenya lifting the trophy after beating Uganda by 39 runs within the ultimate at Gahanga Cricket Stadium.
Kenya posted 170/7 of their 20 overs earlier than bowling Uganda out for 131 in 17.5 overs to finish an unbeaten title-winning marketing campaign that additionally noticed them overcome Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Botswana.
Kenya produced a powerful batting show, led by Dhiren Gondaria, who top-scored with 44 off 32 balls. Brian Likavu added 41 off 21, whereas Sachin Gill contributed 22 off 28.
Uganda’s chase was led by Riazat Ali Shah, who scored 53 off 33 balls, whereas Kenneth Waiswa added 17 off 13.
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Kenya coach Joseph Angara stated the title was the results of a workforce that discovered to adapt, significantly because the stress elevated in the course of the match.
“I wish to thank the boys for the hassle and sacrifice they’ve made to come back to this match. It wasn't straightforward to get right here as a result of all of the groups have actually improved,” Angara stated.
He stated Kenya’s willingness to step outdoors their consolation zone proved decisive within the ultimate.
“We simply have to consider in ourselves. We stepped out of our consolation zone, we fought exhausting and we needed to change our method after we acquired right here, trying on the circumstances that have been there,” he stated.
The victory was significantly important for a Kenyan facet that sees common competitors in opposition to neighbouring nations as essential to its growth.
“We not often play in it. We don't play sufficient. We have to play these sorts of video games,” Angara stated, highlighting the worth of competing usually in opposition to groups corresponding to Uganda, Rwanda and Botswana.
The celebrations will probably be temporary, nonetheless, with Kenya set to return residence subsequent month to organize for the Problem League, which will probably be held in Nairobi.
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Gondaria takes MVP honours
Kenya’s triumph was complemented by a standout particular person marketing campaign from captain Gondaria, who was named the match’s Most Worthwhile Participant (MVP).
Gondaria completed the match with 748 runs from seven matches, whereas additionally taking three wickets and 5 catches to underline his all-round contribution.
“I wasn't very excited, however I used to be excited to win the trophy. For me, the one factor that issues is profitable the match for Kenya,” he stated.
He credited the workforce’s confidence and supportive dressing-room surroundings for serving to the gamers carry out persistently.
“It's the boldness the workforce has given us. The hope the workforce has given us. It was about making use of it ourselves on the sphere,” he added.
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Though Uganda fell brief within the ultimate, the defending champions nonetheless claimed two main particular person awards.
Joseph Baguma was named the match’s finest bowler after taking 17 wickets at an economic system fee of 5.19, whereas teammate Gerald Olipa was named the most effective batter after scoring 375 runs.
The 2 awards provided Uganda some comfort after a marketing campaign that finally ended with defeat within the ultimate.
Rwanda earns internet hosting reward regardless of title loss
Past the consequence, the match gave Rwanda a chance to host among the continent’s rising cricket nations and supply gamers with helpful publicity to regional competitors.
Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Botswana and Sierra Leone competed all through the match, making a aggressive surroundings and permitting gamers to check themselves in opposition to acquainted regional opponents.
Rwanda Cricket Federation president Stephen Musaale stated the match demonstrated the worth of bringing African groups collectively.
He thanked the collaborating groups for his or her dedication and praised the self-discipline and unity displayed all through the competitors.
“We see self-discipline, good competitors and unity. And all of the gamers, don't hesitate throughout your time to come back again. You might be most welcome. Rwanda is your house,” Musaale stated.
