Kyambogo oval
Ceylon Lions C.C vs Aziz Damani C.C
9:30 am
Players to Watch:
Ceylon Lions: Alex Obanda, Malindu Maduranga, Varinder Singh, Ruwan Jayaratne, Simon Ssesazi, Jonathan Ssebanja
Aziz Damani: Mir Afzal, Saud Islam, Emmanuel Isaanez, Riazat Shah, Javian McFarlen, Henry Ssenyondo
As they say, time and chance happens to all and the top two contenders in group B will be meeting again for a chance at one of two slots in the Men's T20 cup. After a fiercely fought out quarter finals that saw the two sides, Ceylon Lions and Aziz Damani emerge victors, the quickly narrowing pool of teams will see them play even more fiercely for the much coveted title of Champions.
Ceylon Lions C.C have been at the lead of a volatile group, winning all but one of their games - against Kutchi Tigers, who were ousted by the Challengers last week. The Lions have confidently taken ground in the shorter format with victories from as many 95 runs to wickets. The Lions have thrived particularly on their impressive batsmen with Varinder Singh, Ruwan Jayaratne and Ssesazi Simon taking the lead with over 500 runs between them in eight innings, ably supported by vice-captain Ssempijja Lawrence, and Ssebanja Jonathan's wicket harrowing expertise.
Alex Obanda's debut in the league garnered an extra ton that propelled the team to victory and will be one to watch regarding what he will bring to the party even as they face a tougher opponent than before.
Aziz Damani have not had the dream start as in the 50 over league, losing two games, one of which was against their fellow semifinalists. But the determination to be at the top has seen them keep rising despite this, and with a more than capable batting powerhouse in Mir Afzal, Saud Islam, Javian McFarlane, the team has had its share of commanding victories. All rounders Emmanuel Isaneez and Riazat Shah have lent their vital skills to both ends while Charles Waiswa and Henry Ssenyondo have continually ploughed wickets.
With the Lions' addition in Alex Obanda and Malindu Maduranga to their batting arsenal, Damani will need to tighten the loose screws in their bowling. While the Lions will need an all-round performance against their more determined counterparts. It will be a derby at the university oval with Ceylon Lions hoping to have a repeat of fortunes that saw them win by 11 runs while Aziz Damani hoping for the reverse in what will definitely be an exciting and action packed game.
