Shiva Samba Rao’s prolific batting helped Telugu Cricket Club (TCC) win their opening match against Kigali Cricket Club in the UAE Exchange & Xpress Money 50 overs Premier League on Sunday at Kicukiro Oval.

Shiva, who smashed 13 fours and 1 six on his way to his career best 139 runs in 133 balls, said after the game: "Am happy to be the first batsman to score a century in this league and I hope get more.”

After winning the toss, TCC batted first and scored 319 runs all out in 49 overs. After a false start of scoring 117 for six wickets, the partnership between Shiva and Janvier Cyubahiro of 165 runs damaged KCC bowlers.

In the second innings, KCC managed 156 runs all out. The openers Kamil Meeja (39) and Dhaval Singh (14) did well will a partnership of 67 runs but other batsmen failed to build on the good start.

Don Mugisha and Eric Ndangamyambi continued their form getting four and three wickets respectively for Teluga.

Hassan Zaki the KCC captain admitted that his team lost due to their poor fielding. "We let them off the hook after dropping 8 catches and giving away 84 extras and they capitalised well on our mistakes,” he said.

The Women’s UAE Exchange & Xpress Money T20 will begin next weekend with Charity Cricket Club taking on former champions Queens of Victory Cricket Club.