ABOOJO delivered the shock of the Uganda T20 Cup, toppling tournament favourites GM Sugar by 21 runs in a rain-shortened semi-final on Sunday to set up a final clash with Ismaili Community.
Despite GM Sugar’s formidable run since their formation this year, the Fort Portal side defied the odds in a high-pressure encounter.
Following morning rain in Entebbe, the semi-final was reduced to a nine-over dash. GM Sugar won the toss and, rightly, opted to field. Their decision paid initial dividends when they removed Aboojo’s power-hitters Brian Asaba and Joseph Baguma in the third over.
However, Pascal Murungi produced a match-winning blitz, smashing a blistering 57 not out from just 26 balls. Supported by Amos Ahura’s 29 off 20, Murungi propelled Aboojo to a formidable 94/3.
For a batting powerhouse like GM Sugar, the target looked within reach. Their pursuit, however, was stifled by tactical bowling. While GM’s batsmen successfully targeted Aboojo’s spinners, Baguma and Matthew Musinguzi, they had no answer for the medium-pacers. Lindon Mutengesa, Dan Keith Amani, and Asaba all claimed key wickets, applying pressure that GM’s vaunted lineup failed to counter.
Resolute efforts from Rahulkumar Pravinbhai Patel (31 off 18) and Mehulkumar Chhotubhai (25 off 18) were not enough. The loss was only GM Sugar’s second since their inception, forcing them to watch the final from the sidelines alongside fellow eliminated giant, Kutchi Tigers.
In the second semi-final, Ismaili Community continued their impressive run, defeating Avengers by 12 runs in a tense affair.
Ismaili, who knocked out Kutchi Tigers to reach the semis, were bowled out for 121 in 19.2 overs. Their total was underpinned by opener Shezad Khan (26 off 25) and all-rounder Pervaiz Ali (40 off 39).
Avengers’ pursuit was spirited but ultimately fell short. Contributions from teenager Abraiz Mir Ali (28 off 29), an unlikely 32 not out from David Wabwire, and Nasta Girish’s late 23 off 17 kept them in the hunt. However, Ismaili’s bowlers held their nerve to defend the total and secure their spot.
The result guarantees a new champion, as both Aboojo and Ismaili Community will be playing in their first-ever final. The two sides will contest the decider next Sunday, November 23rd, at the same ground.
