Champs Ruaraka, Swamibapa, Kanbis triumph as top four log positions remain intact

Umpires David Odhiambo (left), Peter Ongondo (right) and   Match Referee Subhash Modi during a past match. [Courtesy]

It’s turning to be one of the most entertaining seasons in recent times with the tussle for the coveted Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) 50-Overs Super League still wide open at the start of round 2.

The top four positions remain intact at the onset of Round 2 serving up great moments ahead for cricket lovers.

For the umpteenth time, Swamibapa A still hold the lead of NPCA first tier league competition with 28 points; same as Kanbis, who trail the former on Net Run Rate (NRR).

But champions Ruaraka have added a four-points advantage over Sikh Union who had a bye this weekend. The Sikhs will be back in the saddle next weekend with a home match against SCLPS YL A.

The match pitting hosts Kenya Kongonis and Nairobi Gymkhana was abandoned due to unplayable conditions, meaning both teams will now take a No Result (NR) on the 9-team table.

At Eastleigh High School ground, skipper Dhiren Gondaria smacked a 70-ball century as Kanbis A team defeated Sir Ali Muslim Club A by 189-runs.

Sir Ali won the toss and elected to field first. And Kanbis did not disappoint as they hit 361 for six in 40.0 Overs.

Kanbis’ other outstanding hitmen were Rakep Patel (73 off 41), Maxwell Swaminathan (unbeaten 56 off 27) and opener Pushkar Kerai who chipped in with 42 off 29 balls.

Kanbis man Sheryas Gurav was in class of his own as he collected 5-wickets to his credit. Sir Ali hitman Onkar Haresh Jadhav was the match’s second-best run scorer after Dhiren. Sheryas stretched his wicket lead to 23 following his good run over the weekend.            

At Nairobi Jaffrey’s, leaders Swamibapa decimated visiting Shree Cutch Leva Patel Samaj (SCLPS YL A) by 9 wickets setting the tone for their spirited title chase.

Samaj was bowled out for 111 in just 31.2 Overs. In reply the Swamis got the job done by the top order where opener and skipper Rushab Patel (39 off 40balls), Sachin Gill (60 of 46balls) and Yash Chavan (8 off 9balls) sealed the victory for the Swamis in just under 16 overs.

Yash Chavan dealt the visitors a huge blow as he chalked up 5 wickets much to their adversary’s chagrin.

Hiren Kerai of Samaj was the match’s second-best scorer a he hit 40 off 53 deliveries.

Ruaraka batsmen have shown no signs of relenting on their title defense. The Thika Road troops dealt tail-enders Stray Lions A 180-Run blow in a match they played host at Ruaraka Sports Club, thanks to Viraj Deepak Jadhav’s century and Gautam Waghela’s 81 off 32 deliveries.

On the batting chart, sublime Ruaraka batsman Waghela stretched his run-lead to 454 in his seventh innings ahead of Sir Ali’s Onkar Haresh Jadhav who has smacked a cumulative total of 428 in his 7 innings.