The Batball MAXX T20 Challenge Cup came to an end at the Lakeside Oval in Entebbe with the Blasters finishing as the standout team of the competition. While there was no final trophy at stake, the tournament served its purpose — identifying players ready for the BATBALL MAXX Season Two which is scheduled for 2026.
Played over 15 days in a double round-robin format, the Challenge Cup demanded consistency and depth. Every team faced each other twice, and there was little margin for error. The Blasters handled the pressure better than anyone else, finishing top of the table with nine wins from ten matches.
Their campaign did not start perfectly. They opened with a loss to the Warriors but responded immediately. From that point on, the Blasters found their rhythm and never looked back, winning their remaining nine games and securing first place before the final day of matches.
What worked for them was simple cricket. Captain Kenneth Waiswa led with a calm hand, rotating his players well and giving young players the confidence to perform. The team stayed balanced throughout the competition, even with the tight schedule.
The Blasters were disciplined in the field. They kept things tight, gave away few extras, and forced teams to work hard for runs. Their bowlers followed the same pattern, sticking to their lines and lengths and building pressure over long spells.
Simon Ssesazi was the backbone of the batting lineup. He finished as the tournament’s leading run scorer with 316 runs in 10 innings and was later named Best Batter. His consistency allowed the rest of the batting order to play their natural game. Charles Mushemeza also played key innings when the team needed stability.
With the ball, Mathew Musinguzi led the attack. Bowling mainly in the powerplay, he took 17 wickets to finish as the second-highest wicket-taker with Baguma Joseph being at the top. His best figures of five for seven were among the highlights of the competition.
Behind the Blasters, the Gladiators and Warriors pushed hard but could not match their consistency. Gladiators, despite a strong squad, dropped points in crucial matches, while the Warriors finished well after an uneven start.
