NPCA 50 Overs: Kanbis seek to maintain league lead as Swamibapa host Gymkhana over the weekend
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 06.09.24. | 16:58
On the other side of the table, Stray Lions A will hope to ease any relegation fears when they take on Sikh Union on Sunday
Given the tight nature of Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) 50-Overs Super League title race this season, it is not hard to fathom out a scenario where the top four would take their spirited campaigns down the homestretch.
Last weekend, Kanbis A dislodged longtime leaders Swamibapa A from the top of the table after the latter suffered a 105-run loss to champions Ruaraka A.
Ruaraka A have a bye this weekend but are refusing to pile pressure on themselves prior to their return to action on 15 September away to Kanbis A.
Ruaraka captain Nitish Hirani commented: “We have a bye, so no action for my boys this weekend. Honestly, we are taking a rest this week and will resume training next Tuesday. But when we are back, we will just look into the basics, by and large.”
Rushab Patel’s Swamibapa A will be looking to make amends against Nairobi Gymkhana A at their Nairobi Jaffrey’s home turf on Sunday, as Kenya Kongonis A host Sir Ali A at their Nairobi Club backyard.
The Swamis dipped to third spot following their loss to the champions, but on paper, they start favorites against fifth-placed Gymkhana.
It was a devastating defeat that has almost put them out of the title race.
They don’t only need to win on Sunday, but win with a big margin to improve their net-run rate which might come into play at the end of the season to determine the final position.
Ruaraka and Swamis are tied on 28 apiece, with the former savouring a slight advantage on Net Run Rate (NRR).
Kanbis occupy the summit on 32 but have a match at hand.
Seventh-placed Shree Cutch Leva Patel Samaj (SCLPS YL A) will host Kanbis A on Sunday at Samaj Stadium in Nairobi West.
Kanbis A sipper Dhiren Gondaria says his boys are taking each match at a time: “As I always say, in cricket anyone can be beaten, at any given time.
“My team will not relax until we are done with our mission to recapture this coveted title.”
Dhiren continued: “We witnessed some scintillating play from the players, all around. As a team, we always concentrate on our game plans. The issue about our opponent’s performance doesn't really matter to us for now, as long as we keep on the winning spirit all the way.”
Elsewhere, Sikh Union A side will play host to tailenders Stray Lions A at Sikh Union Club in Nairobi.
And if what was witnessed last weekend in their high-scoring loss to Kanbis and considering relegation quagmire, Stray Lions will indeed fight like “wounded lions”.
The Lions have only won one match so far against Sikh Union, when both met in the first half of the 50-overs season on July 21.
Stray Lions has so far amassed a paltry six points from nine outings, contrary to all expectations.
But the reigning T20 Champions are engaging in a cautious blend of hope and pragmatism.
The other bottom teams Sir Ali A, Samaj A and Kenya Kongonis A are not safe either, and will be fighting tooth and nail to evade the relegation axe in the coming weeks.
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