Centurion and Pak Shaheens sealed promotion to the Silver Division of the CU Men’s 50 Overs League after a gripping round of Bronze Division semi-finals that mixed resilience, firepower and heartbreak in equal measure on June 21.
Centurion survived a tense early collapse before debutant Davis Karashani announced himself in style with a match-defining century, while Pak Shaheens produced a ruthless all-round display to crush Tornado CC and book their silver berth.
Centurion captain Allan Ssemakula admitted his side’s qualification journey was built on more than just match-day brilliance.
‘Qualification was built on consistency, discipline, and teamwork throughout the season,’ Ssemakula said.
‘Every player understood their role and bought into the team’s vision. We stayed united even in difficult moments.’
He added that the achievement was only the beginning of a longer project.
‘Our ambition is to continue growing, compete strongly at the next level and build a winning culture that lasts,’ he said.
The surge
At Lugogo Cricket Oval, Centurion were pushed to the edge after slipping to 24 for 3 in pursuit of 199 against Kifaru CC.
But what followed was a turnaround built on belief and composure, led by two former Cricket Cranes skippers; Karashani and Brian Mark Masaba, who stitched together a 174-run partnership that flipped the contest. Karashani struck a brilliant 103 off 84 balls on debut, while Masaba anchored the chase with an unbeaten 62.
Ssemakula later praised the calmness inside the dressing room when pressure peaked.
‘Naturally there was tension because the stakes were high, but nobody panicked,’ he said.
‘We trusted the players at the crease. Cricket is about partnerships and momentum can change quickly.’
For Karashani, the moment was not only a delight but also a statement of arrival.
His innings blended timing, patience and authority as Centurion recovered from a shaky start to seal promotion with 35 balls to spare. Masaba, often the quiet operator, ensured there were no late scares as he carried the chase home.
Shaheens power
At Florida Oval, alias The Akbar Baig Cricket Ground, Pak Shaheens delivered one of the most dominant performances of the round, hammering Tornado CC by 98 runs to confirm promotion.
Batting first, Shaheens posted 187 all out, with Sunil Kumar top-scoring on 56, while Yasir Malik added 40 and Abdul Basit Habib contributed 38.
Captain Muhammad Sarwar Raheel, who was mentored by Pakistan legend Saeed Ajmal, said the win carried emotional weight beyond cricket.
‘This Father’s Day was unforgettable,’ Raheel said. ‘I wore a ‘DAD’ cap during the match to carry my son, who was celebrating his first birthday, with me onto the field.’
He dedicated the victory to his family. ‘Leading Shaheens to victory in such a pressure game made it even more meaningful. I dedicate this win to my son Zayan Raheel,’ he said.
Tornado wilt
Traditional giants Tornado never recovered from early blows as they were bundled out for 89 in reply, with Pak Shaheens’ bowlers tightening the grip through disciplined spells.
Cricket Cranes paceman Bilal Hassun and skipper Raheel led the charge as wickets fell at regular intervals. Elsewhere in Gold Division, Rounders CC’s survival hopes collapsed under pressure as they fell to Kutchi Tigers CC by 61 runs at Entebbe.
Their chase of 153 never recovered after an early collapse left them 26 for 4, eventually folding for 91 and confirming relegation.
Tough reward
Centurion and Pak Shaheens will now meet in the Bronze final this Sunday (June 28) at Lugogo after sealing promotion to Division Two in contrasting but commanding fashion.
Centurion did it the hard way – with recovery, patience and a debut century – while Shaheens stormed through with ruthless dominance.
Either way, both teams will leave the Bronze Division not only as mere winners but as teams ready for a bigger stage.
CU MEN’S 50-OVER LEAGUE
Results – Gold Division
Ceylon Lions 209/10 | Aboojo 186/9
Ceylon Lions won by 23 runs
Kutchi Tigers 152/10 | Rounders 91/10
Kutchi Tigers won by 61 runs
JACC 183/9 | Mukono Warriors 119/10
JACC won by 64 runs
Bronze Division – Semi-finals
Kifaru CC 198/10 | Centurion CC 202/4
Centurion CC won by 6 wickets
Pak Shaheens CC 187/10 | Tornado CC 89/10
Pak Shaheens CC won by 98 runs