• Dhiren has been outstanding on the bat but wants more performance from his middle order as the longer-version season wears on.
• The Swamis will hinge their hopes on captain Rushab Patel, who incidentally posted the highest score (61) in their eight-wicket victory over Gymkhana.
Image: FILE
One of the biggest fixtures on the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) 50-Overs Super Division League will take place at Jaffrey Sports Club on Sunday, with third-placed Swamibapa ‘A’ welcoming leaders Kanbis ‘A’.
The two giants will parade some of the country’s finest in their top orders; leaving nothing to chance in a fixture that will definitely set tongues wagging and hearts pounding.
Kanbis will peg hopes on their opening batsman and right-arm medium bowler Dhiren Gondaria, who currently tops the NPCA leaderboard with 352 runs and three centuries to boot.
In Kanbis’ 232-run victory over Cutchi Leva last weekend, the Eastleigh troops amassed 414 runs in their allotted 50 over, with valuable contributions from Narendra Patel (53), Jignesh Kerai (55), Rakep Patel (94) and a fine century from skipper Dhiren, who remarked that their batting skills are peerless.
Dhiren has been outstanding on the bat but wants more performance from his middle order as the longer-version season wears on.
Kanbis are four points ahead of Swamibapa and victory for the latter would see them take a huge step towards their spirited title aspirations.
Dhiren added: “We will be facing stronger opponents from this week and I think those are the games we have been waiting for. Looking forward to this one against the Swamis. I think no one takes Kanbis lightly and if anyone does, I would honestly urge them not to, as we will be going harder game-by-game.”
The Swamis will hinge their hopes on captain Rushab Patel, who incidentally posted the highest score (61) in their eight-wicket victory over Gymkhana.
In other matches, Obuya Academy ‘A’ will be welcomed by Nairobi Gymkhana ‘A’.
Legend Collins Obuya, who currently sits third on the NPCA leaderboard with 192 runs, should once again be the toast of the Obuya’s — who vanquished Sikh Union last weekend.
Gymkhana ‘A’, on the other hand, will be looking for a better performance from their batters as they chase their first win of the season in fifth attempt.
SCLPS YL ‘A’ have a date against Ruaraka ‘A’ at Cutchi Leva. SCLPS YL ‘A’ will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s heavy defeat to Kanbis ‘A’.
Sikh Union ‘A’ will lock horns with Stray Lions ‘A’ at home hoping to atone for last week’s defeat to Obuya ‘A’.
Stray Lions ‘A’ have had an indifferent start to the season and will be looking to consolidate their position in the top half of the league. Both teams have struggled for consistency.
Division One fixtures should also treat fans to some exhilarating displays of cricket artistry with leaders Kongonis ‘A’ playing away to Ruaraka ‘B’.
Fixtures:
Npca Super Division 50 Overs
Obuya Academy CC ‘A’ vs Nairobi Gymkhana A (Gymkhana)
SCLPS YL ‘A’ vs Ruaraka ‘A’ (Cutchi Leva Ground)
Sikh Union ‘A’ vs Stray Lions ‘A’ (Sikh Union)
Kanbis ‘A’ vs Swamibapa ‘A’ (Nairobi Jeffery’s SC)
NPCA DIVISION ONE 50 OVERS
Goan Institute; A’ vs SCLPS YL ‘B’ (Goan Institute)
Kenya Kongonis CC ‘A’ vs Ruaraka ‘B’ (Ruaraka SC)
Kanbis ‘B’ vs Swamibapa ‘B’ (Eastleigh)
NPCA Division Two 50 Overs
Kongonis ‘B’ vs Wolves ‘B’ (Nbi Club)
Pirates CC vs Legends CC (Starehe)
Stray Leopards ‘A’ vs GI ‘B’ (Peponi)
Kanbis Dev vs Ngara SC ‘B’ (Impala)
Obuya ‘B’ vs Stray Leopards ‘B’ (Lenana)
League Standings After Matchday 4 (Top 3)
SUPER
1. Kanbis ‘A’ 16points (RR 4.073)
2. Ruaraka ‘A’ 16points (RR 3.194)
3. Swamibapa ‘A’ 12points (RR1.116)
DIV 1
1.Kongonis ‘A’ 16points (RR 0.740)
2. Swamibapa ‘B’ 12points (RR 1.433)
3. Stray Lions ‘B’ 12points (RR 1.363)