Sports 10 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Sets New T20I Record in ILT20 Cup Opener
Uganda Cricket Cranes began their ILT20 Continent Cup title defense with a record-breaking 250/3 against Sierra Leone, securing a dominant 114-run victory. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/cricket/musemeza-olipa-fire-uganda-to-record-t20i-win-5590072
The Uganda Cricket Cranes kicked off their campaign to win a third consecutive ILT20 Continent Cup title with a resounding statement, smashing their highest-ever Men’s T20 International total.
Batting first against Sierra Leone in Kigali, Rwanda, the Cricket Cranes posted a formidable 250 for three in their 20 overs. This eclipses their previous best of 229/3 set in 2024. The team’s dominant performance set a daunting target for their opponents.
Charles Musemeza anchored the innings with a stellar 89 off 57 balls, while Gerald Olipa provided explosive acceleration, remaining unbeaten on 83 from just 34 deliveries. Olipa’s innings included a remarkable nine sixes. Captain Riazat Ali Shah added late fireworks, scoring an unbeaten 32 off only eight balls, contributing to a massive 46 runs in the final two overs.
In response, Sierra Leone were restricted to 136 for four, falling short by 114 runs. Alusine Turay offered the main resistance with 78 runs, but the Uganda bowlers, led by Kenneth Waiswa and Juma Miyagi who took two wickets each, maintained pressure.
Olipa was deservedly named Player of the Match for his blistering unbeaten knock. The win sets a positive tone for the youthful Ugandan squad as they aim for a third successive title. Their next challenge comes against Botswana on September 10.