CHALLENGERS CRICKET club reigned over their counterparts Telugu cricket club to retain the VR Naidu T20 Cup which climaxed on Sunday at Kicukiro cricket grounds.

Challenger CC’s chase of 122 runs to beat Telugu CC wasn’t possible until the last over. 

Probably the best game that Telugu has played, they bowled well, fielded well and batted well.

Needing 9 runs to win in the last over, Feroz Shaikh brought joy to the team after edging two fours that won the game.

Challengers captain Srinath Vardhineni admitted it was a tough game but the best team won.

Challengers CC have now won back-to-back titles. Eric Ndangamyambi was declared man of match after picking 2 wickets and scoring 43 runs.

In the women category, White Clouds lifted the title after beating Kigali Angels.

After winning the toss, Kigali Angels batted poorly losing their star players Sarah Uwera and Diane Ishimwe cheaply and this led to a low score of 67 all out in the allotted 20 overs.

White Clouds won the game with 5 wickets to spare, thanks to Vestine Byukusenge who made the highest contribution with the bat with 20 runs.

White Clouds captain Mary Maina said, "It was generally a very good performance. Our bowlers stuck to the plan which eased our win.”

The Rwanda Cricket Association president Charles Haba thanked the Naidu family and congratulated all the teams for participating.

Awards:

Women

Best fielder: Karitonda Dianah – 4 dismissals

Best bowler: Betty Mukunzi – 8 wickets

Best batter: Egidia Uwimana – 66 runs

Woman of series: Mary Maina – Scored 83 runs, picked 6 wickets and 4 dismissals

Men 

Best fielder: Gopalan Saira – 7 dismissals

Best bowler: Reddy Gopal – 10 wickets

Best batsman: Shiva Samba – 145 runs

Man of series: Subhasis Samal – Scored 146 runs, picked 11 wickets and 4 dismissals.