Ismaili Community Cricket Club welcome back three Cricket Cranes players as they host Soroti City at Jinja SS Cricket Oval in Group A of the 2026 UG20 League. Captain Riazat Ali Shah, Juma Miyaji and Pius Oloka return from national duty in Nigeria, alongside Ghulam Hunzai, to boost a side that won their last double-header with only ten men. The defending champions have won all six matches so far and need two more victories to seal a playoff spot. Soroti City, with four points from six games, must win all remaining fixtures to keep their hopes alive. The sides last met in May, when Ismaili won by 106 runs at Entebbe Cricket Ground, with Junaid Khan taking four wickets for 33 runs.
In Group D, GM Sugar host Iganga at their new home ground with both teams already qualified for the quarter-finals. The match will decide who finishes top of the group. GM Sugar have 14 points from eight matches, winning seven and losing one. Iganga will aim to finish strong despite knowing they cannot overtake the leaders. The fixture carries no playoff implications but offers a chance to test squad depth before the knockout stage.
The argument doing the rounds among cricket followers is whether Ismaili’s return of national players gives them an unfair advantage in the group stage, or whether it is simply good preparation for the playoffs. Some argue that teams without Cranes players are playing at a disadvantage, while others say the league is designed to accommodate national duty and Ismaili are simply managing their resources well. The debate is likely to intensify if Ismaili continue their unbeaten run.
- Ismaili: Riazat Ali Shah (captain), Juma Miyaji, Pius Oloka, Ghulam Hunzai
- Soroti City: Emmanuel Twijukye, Derrick Bakunzi, Emma Twijukye
- Last meeting: Ismaili 231 all out, Soroti City 125 all out (Ismaili won by 106 runs)
- GM Sugar: 14 points from 8 matches (7 wins, 1 loss)
- Group D playoff qualifiers: GM Sugar, Mukono Warriors
Source: Uganda Cricket
