Like any sport, Cricket can be unpredictable.
Yet, no one envisaged that Challengers, runners-up in the top division last year, could lose to newly-promoted Aziz Damani in the manner that they did. An 83/10 in 35.4 overs was all Challengers could muster at the Kyambogo cricket oval.
This let in Damani, who chased a target of 84 runs, to embarrass Challengers in 12.2 overs. For the loss of one wicket, Damani posted 85 runs, making a statement they are not going to be push-overs.
“Our loss to Tornado Bees in our first game created a wrong impression, even though under the circumstances, we had pushed the defending champions hard,” Damani’s Brian Masaba said.
He added that instead of feeling down, they were galvanized to have a go at Challengers despite their big reputation. And suddenly, the public perception of Damani has changed. As Tornado Bees captain Jeremy Kibukamusoke had pointed out a week earlier, after they edged Damani, they are indeed a good and tough side.
Then, Kibukamusoke noted that they probably could also have struggled on the Lugogo cricket oval the same way Damani did, if they had batted first. The wicket was turning so much in the morning, compared to the afternoon when Tornado Bees got in to bat.
Damani took advantage of the situation last Sunday at the Kyambogo oval, when they won the toss and chose to field first.
Damani’s Dennis Tabby said: “Because it was a bit windy and cloudy, the ball was turning a lot, and it was not easy for the batsmen to see. In the end, Damani’s bowlers had a good day taking out the big threats.”
For example, bowlers Emmanuel Isaneez took 3/23, Asadu Seiga 2/5 and Kenneth Waiswa 2/18. Others like the national team coach Steve Tikolo and Arnold Otwani did not have to be called on to bowl.
Tikolo largely contributed with the bat, scoring 24 runs in 22 balls.
Such variation is indicative of how solid Damani are, and how they are genuine title contenders. But also, having secured promotion to the top-flight, winning all their 12 games in division two last season, they are a team with confidence.
jovi@observer.ug