Kanbis A, Stray Lions dominate NPCA Twenty20 league matches

©Dhiren Gondaria in action-Viku Photography

CRICKET Kanbis A, Stray Lions dominate NPCA Twenty20 league matches

Festus Chuma 16:00 - 04.02.2024

Kanbis A and Stray Lions excelled in the NPCA Twenty20 League securing impressive victories in thrilling weekend cricket matches.

The Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) Twenty20 League witnessed standout performances as Kanbis A and Stray Lions secured significant victories in their respective weekend matches.

Kanbis A, under the leadership of captain Dhiren Gondaria, delivered a spectacular game against hosts Sikh Union securing a win by 6 wickets.

Gondaria, who scored a brisk half-century, lauded his openers for setting a strong foundation.

"Pushpak Kerai and Narendra Patel 'Nandu' were exceptional in the powerplay, giving us the perfect start to chase down the target comfortably within 15 overs," Gondaria expressed.

Pushpak Kerai contributed a vital 40 runs, while Nandu chipped in with 21.

Reflecting on the match, Gondaria emphasized the team's resilience,

"The way we came back in the first innings was a positive note to take." However, he also pointed out areas for improvement, particularly in fielding, acknowledging a few dropped chances that could have been costly. "Our fielding needs attention. I understand the guys are coming off a 5-month break, but we need to tighten up in this area," he added.

Sikh Union, despite winning the toss and electing to bat, were restricted to 145 runs in 19.3 overs.

Satish Hirani and skipper Sukhdeep Singh were the notable contributors, scoring 43 and 25 runs, respectively.

Kanbis A's response was assertive, reaching 145 for four in just 15.1 overs, marking their second consecutive victory this season.

In another encounter, Stray Lions continued their winning streak with a 27-run triumph over Shree Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj (SCLPS YL A) at Nairobi Jaffery's.

SCLPS YL A, choosing to field first, witnessed Stray Lions amassing 104-3. The newly signed Bhagath Varma and captain Shubham Jadhav played pivotal roles, scoring 35 off 24 and 29 off 13 balls, respectively.

Opener Aman Gandhi contributed 10 runs before falling to Harshin Varsani.

Ruaraka, led by Nitish Hirani, also showcased their prowess in their match. Openers Chandresh Hirani and Pushkar Sharma were in fine form, scoring 28 and 46 runs, respectively.

Neelakash Tambe's fielding efforts, including two stunning catches, further bolstered their performance. Ruaraka's Sachin acknowledged their batting challenges, citing the absence of pros Maxwell Swaminathan and Anjinkia Beloshe.

“Our batting lineup has definitely been affected by the absence of the two pros (Maxwell and Anjikia) and so is our bowling...but it is a good opportunity for the local players to make a place for themselves for the coming season," Sachin said.

The weekend's matches also saw several other teams making their mark in the Division One results.

Kanbis B overcame SCLPS YL B by 17 runs, Wolves CC A defeated Kenya Kongonis A by 35 runs, Stray Lions B bested Swamibapa B by 55 runs, Goan Institute triumphed over Sikh Union B by 5 wickets, and Ngara A clinched a commanding 103-run victory against Ruaraka B.

DIVISION ONE RESULTS

•Kanbis B beat SCLPS YL B by 17 runs

•Wolves CC A beat Kenya Kongonis A by b35 runs

•Stray Lions B beat Swamibapa B by 55 runs

•Goan Institute beat Sikh Union B by 5 wickets

•Ngara A beat Ruaraka B by 103 runs 

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