In a thrilling final, Olila Cricket Club emerged victorious in the 2025 Women’s T20 League, defeating defending champions Soroti Cricket Club by 9 wickets at Lugogo Oval on Saturday.
The match was a closely contested all-Soroti showdown, but Olila’s near-perfect performance ultimately sealed the win.
Soroti City CC struggled to post a competitive total, being bowled out for just 74 runs in 20 overs.
Proscovia Alako (17) and Jimia Abdallah Muhammed (15) were the only players to reach double digits, while captain Janet Mbabazi contributed 14 runs.
Olila’s spin bowlers, particularly Immaculate Nandera (2/9) and Nyamer Devine Gabriella (1/15), proved to be the decisive factor, exploiting the turning pitch to great effect.
In response, Olila CC chased down the target with ease, losing only one wicket in the process.
Esther Iloku top-scored with an unbeaten 32 off 31 balls, earning her the Player of the Match award.
Asumin Akurut (25) and Malisa Ariokot (11) provided valuable support, helping Olila win the match in just 14 overs.
Olila captain Phiona Egaru Kulume attributed the win to the team’s simplicity and teamwork.
“We kept it simple. The turning point was breaking Alako and Mbabazi’s stand.
Spin was key, Josephine Icumar and Divine [Gabriella] were outstanding,” she said.
Soroti’s Alako acknowledged the team’s mistakes, saying, “We lost wickets too easily. Spin got to us.
But we’ll regroup and come back stronger.”
Individual Honors
The tournament saw several players shine, with Naomi Kayondo emerging as the Best Batter (278 runs), Lorna Anyait as the Best Wicket-Taker (21 wickets), and Nyamer Devine Gabriella as the Most Valuable Player.
Esther Iloku was awarded the Player of the Match in the final for her impressive 32 runs.
A New Chapter in the League’s Legacy
Olila’s victory marked a shift in power, ending Soroti’s two-year reign and hinting at a new chapter in the league’s growing legacy.
The win was celebrated with family involvement, as Jimia Muhammed’s mother handed over the Player of the Match award to Esther Iloku, and Lorna Anyait’s mother received the Best Wicket-Taker trophy on behalf of her daughter.
