The semifinals of the 2024 Boys Schools Cricket Week were anything but ordinary, with excitement bubbling across four different venues after the morning’s rain delay. As the sun finally peeked through the clouds, it was game on, and the action that followed didn’t disappoint.
At the Jinja SS Oval, the hometown heroes, Jinja SS, made quick work of Delhi Public International School. Delhi, perhaps feeling a bit overwhelmed, posted a modest 56 all out in just over 17 overs. It didn’t take long for Jinja SS to seal their spot in the final, they chased down the target in just 3.4 overs, losing only one wicket along the way. It was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of match, but Jinja SS wasn’t playing around.
This will be their second consecutive appearance in the final, and they’re eyeing that trophy like it’s already got their name on it.
Meanwhile, over at the Jinja SS Oval, Busoga College Mwiri and Nyakasura School were having a rematch for the ages. Last year, Nyakasura had knocked Mwiri out in the semifinals, so Mwiri was back with a vengeance. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though Mwiri’s star player, Olipa Gerald, was out for just 13 runs. But, with some solid contributions from Mudola Edgar (24), Tigatola Abubakar (20), and Mukisa Eric (16), Mwiri managed to post 110 runs in their 20 overs.
Nyakasura tried to chase it down, but Mwiri’s bowlers, especially Mukisa Eric with his four wickets and Okecho Jordan with three, weren’t having any of it. Nyakasura ended up 33 runs short, and Mwiri got their sweet, sweet revenge.
The Plate semifinals had their own share of nail-biting moments. At the Jinja SS Oval 1, Shree Sahajanand pulled off a four-wicket win against Ntare School, securing their spot in the Plate Final. Over at the Jico Oval, King’s College Budo squeaked past Masaka Secondary School by just one run. One run! That’s the kind of match that leaves you biting your nails down to stubs.
On Saturday, the stage is set for what promises to be an epic finale. In the morning, Shree Sahajanand will take on King’s College Budo in the Plate Final, a battle between two Kampala giants. And in the afternoon, all eyes will be on the Super Final, as Jinja SS goes head-to-head with Busoga College Mwiri in a Jinja derby.
