The fourth day of the IL T20 Continent Cup on Saturday, December 7, witnessed Uganda’s emphatic 86-run victory over Rwanda, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament, while Botswana edged past Nigeria in a thrilling last-over chase to secure a three-wicket win. Held at the Gahanga International Stadium, both matches showcased contrasting styles of cricket Uganda’s commanding dominance and Botswana’s resilience under pressure. Uganda’s clinical display against Rwanda underlined their position as the team to beat in the tournament. Opting to bat first, Uganda’s Robinson Obuya and Simon Ssesazi laid a solid foundation, reaching 50 runs in just 6.3 overs. The pair’s quick 50-run partnership in 39 balls featuring Obuya’s aggressive 33 off 28 balls and Ssesazi’s 15 off 11 set the tone for the innings. Uganda had posted a competitive 151/8 in 20 overs. Extras played a small but helpful role, adding six runs. Alpesh Ramjani’s late cameo of 12 runs provided a finishing flourish. Rwanda’s chase faltered under Uganda’s disciplined bowling attack. Although Oscar Manishimwe showed some resistance with a gritty 30 off 33 balls, including a four and two sixes, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to cope. Ignace Ntirenganya tried to steady the innings but found little support from his teammates. Rwanda managed only 65 runs before being bowled out in 17 overs, with extras contributing four runs. Uganda’s bowling was relentless, wrapping up the match to secure an 86-run win and solidify their dominance in the tournament. With the result, Rwanda stand little chance of qualifying for the final, having managed just one win in their last four games of the competition which is being played in a round robin format. ALSO READ: Rwanda claims first win at ILT20 The second match of the day featured an intense battle between Botswana and Nigeria. Nigeria batted first, amassing 141/9 in their 20 overs. Their innings got off to a flying start, with 51 runs scored in 5.4 overs. However, Botswana’s bowlers tightened the screws, and Nigeria reached 102 runs in 16.2 overs. Peter Aho’s steady 12 runs and Useni Prosper’s nine added valuable runs at the tail end, but six extras conceded by Botswana gave Nigeria a slight edge, giving them a challenging target of 142 runs to chase. Botswana began cautiously. By 9.5 overs, they had scored 50 runs, with extras contributing four runs. A pivotal fifth-wicket partnership between Thatayaone Tshose (28 off 23 balls) and Phemelo Silas (9 off 10 balls) added 50 runs in just 33 balls, bringing Botswana back into contention. As the match approached its climax, Monroux Kasselman’s composed 18 runs and Boemo Khumalo’s single run helped Botswana chase down the target. Despite Nigeria’s efforts to defend their total, Botswana reached 142/7 in 19.5 overs, sealing the win in dramatic fashion.
