Stray Lions continue unbeaten run with dominant win over arch-rivals Kanbis A

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CRICKET Stray Lions continue unbeaten run with dominant win over arch-rivals Kanbis A

Abigael Wafula 11:40 - 07.08.2023

The Stray Lions won the toss and opted to field first in a tension-packed match.

Kanbis A’s hopes of clinching the coveted Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) 50-Overs Super Division League title were shattered by Stray Lions who handed them a 7-wicket loss at their Nairobi Jaffery’s backyard.

The Stray Lions won the toss and opted to field first in a tension-packed match which treated fans to some exhilarating displays of cricket artistry.

In their innings the reigning champions, scored 285 for five in their allotted 50 overs, hoping to annihilate the Lions in their home turf.

Kanbis started off the innings on a high note with opening batsman Pushpak Kerai scoring a brilliant century (110) to uplift the morale of the Kanbis team.

But their skipper Dhiren Gondaria could only manage four runs off four deliveries before being caught out by Shubham Jadhav, much to their chagrin.

Rakep Patel was also impressive for Kanbis’ with an unbeaten 88 runs to his credit. Chasing the target, Stray Lions hit 289 for three in 45.2 overs to carry the day, thanks to Jadhav who smacked a cool 148, the highest individual score of the weekend, and a double-century opening partnership, that sealed the deal for the Lions.

Leaders Ruaraka A maintained their unbeaten run of seven matches with a convincing nine-wicket advantage over visitors Sikh Union A.

Dangerman Sachin Gill of Ruaraka was the match’s highest scorer with three boundaries and 4 sixes. Sachin hit 38 off 19 deliveries in a low-scoring encounter with which the leaders sailed through with ease. The Sikhs were bowled out for 80 in just 22.3 overs.

Elsewhere, skipper Rushab Patel scored 42 runs as Swamibapa ‘A’ vanquished Obuya Academy ‘A’ by 9 wickets at the Lenana School ground.

The Swami’s won the toss and elected to field first. Obuya were bowled out for 70 in 28.1 overs. Chasing the slim target, the Swamis scored 75 for 1 to carry the day and end the game before lunch.

Meanwhile, Shree Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj (SCLPS YL A) also defeated hosts Nairobi Gymkhana by 6 wickets in another Super Division match. Cutchi Leva won the toss and elected to field first.

Purohit Bharat was the highest scorer for Gymkhana side who were bowled out for 133 in 41.3 overs. Chasing the modest target, Cutchi Leva surpassed the score with 134 for 4 in 32.4 Overs.

Ankit Bhanderi smacked a quick fire 42 for Cutchi Leva as his teammates Niraj Patel and Darsh Panchani managed 24 and 19 runs respectively.

In Division 3, hosts Ruaraka Development defeated CK Amazon Hirani Ladies by 47 runs whilst Sikh Union pipped SCLPS YL Development by one run at their backyard.

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