Kanbis ‘A’ skipper Dhiren Gondaria predicts a nail-biting encounter as they face immediate former champions Swamibapa ‘A’ in the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) T2 final on Sunday at Sikh Union.
“I think it will be a good contest against the Swamis going to the finals with two losses against one. They beat us twice, and we beat them once. So it's a good chance for the youngsters to prove themselves on a bigger stage,” said Gondaria.
Gondaria wants his troops to rise to the occasion on Sunday. “We will be fearless and give our all irrespective of the outcome. We want to make our fans happy,” he highlighted.
Kanbis are expected to field the likes of Hiren Kabariya and Pushpak Kerai in the top order with Sachin Bhudiya, Nelson Mandela and Rakep Patel making the middle order. Rakep is also a longstanding wicketkeeper for his team and will use his position to his advantage on fielding.
Swamibapa ‘A’ will peg their hopes on the likes of skipper Rushabh Patel, Prashang Hirani and dangerman Sachin Gill in the top order.
Wicketkeeper Dhwanil Patel is also a key player in Swamis’ brigade. The Swamis have played good cricket throughout the T20s season, finishing top at the league stage and hope to finish strongly against Kanbis ‘A’.
Sachin Gill commented: “We are not taking anything lightly and we hope to put on a good show on Sunday...if we cover our basics and stick to our strengths, we can end up on the winning side.”
Sachin continued: “Of course, opener Gondaria and two of the pros from Uganda led by Juma Miyagi will be the key players for Kanbis. I also expect to get a flying start from Rushabh, who has got his form back in the last few games. Our main spinner Vraj and the pro Dhwanil will also help the team get across the line.”
In Division One T20 Eliminator, Obuya ‘B’ will take on Stray Lions B at Sikh Union from 2.30 pm onwards. Q1 will be Sunday’s battle royale between Sir Ali ‘B’ and Samaj ‘B’ at Jamhuri from 9.30 am.
Sir Ali emerged as the winner in the league segment of Division One log followed by Samaj B, Obuya A and Stray Lions B.
Meanwhile, the NPCA Division Two T20 competition heads into the semis on Sunday, with Wolves ‘A’ facing Swamibapa Development at Gymkhana. Wolves B will take on Stray Lions ‘C’ at Sir Ali.
Super Division (Sunday)
Kanbis A vs Swamibapa A ( final Sikh Union 2pm)
Division One (Saturday)
Obuya ‘A’ vs Stray Lions ‘B’ (Sikh Union 2.30pm)
Q1: Sir Ali ‘B’ vs Samaj ‘B’ (Jamhuri 9:30 am)
Division Two semis
Wolves ‘A’ vs Swamibapa Development (Gymkhana 9.30am)
Wolves ‘B’ vs Stray Lions ‘C’ (Sir Ali 9.30am)
