Cricket Cranes opened their ILT20 Continent Cup title defence with a 114-run demolition of Sierra Leone at Gahanga Cricket Stadium B in Kigali on Tuesday.
Uganda posted an imposing 250 for 3 in their 20 overs to set a new national record for the highest Men's T20 International total.
The previous best of 229 for 3 against Botswana at Gahanga Main Oval on December 9 2024 was erased by a brutal batting display.
Charles Musemeza anchored the innings with a magnificent 89 off 57 balls striking eight fours and five sixes.
Gerald Olipa then exploded for an unbeaten 83 off just 34 deliveries peppered with four fours and nine sixes to claim Player of the Match.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah provided a spectacular finish smashing 32 not out from only eight balls as Uganda plundered 46 runs from the final two overs.
Robinson Obuya contributed a quickfire 37 off 20 at the top after Anas Baig fell for a duck in the first over nicking behind.
Sierra Leone's reply was led by Alusine Turay's spirited 78 off 50 but the chase never threatened the mammoth target.
Juma Miyagi returned tidy figures of 2 for 18 while vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa claimed 2 for 20 to restrict Sierra Leone to 136 for 4.
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala is whether this youthful blend of emerging talent and experienced campaigners can sustain such intensity across the tournament and into next month's World Cup qualifier in Nigeria.
Uganda return to action tomorrow against Botswana seeking a second win to tighten their grip on a third consecutive Continent Cup crown.
Key figures from the opening win:
- Uganda: 250/3 (20 overs) — highest T20I total
- Charles Musemeza: 89 (57 balls, 8×4, 5×6)
- Gerald Olipa: 83* (34 balls, 4×4, 9×6) — Player of the Match
- Riazat Ali Shah: 32* (8 balls)
- Robinson Obuya: 37 (20 balls)
- Sierra Leone: 136/4 (20 overs)
- Alusine Turay: 78 (50 balls)
- Juma Miyagi: 2/18 (4 overs)
- Kenneth Waiswa: 2/20 (4 overs)
- Result: Uganda won by 114 runs
- Next match: Uganda vs Botswana, Wednesday at Gahanga
Source: Uganda Cricket
