In a thrilling Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) 50-Overs Super League match at Nairobi Jaffrey’s, a sublime century by Dhwanil Patel propelled Swamibapa A to an 89-run victory over rivals Kanbis A.
This win helped Swamibapa consolidate their lead on the points table, putting them four points clear of Kanbis and defending champions Ruaraka.
Defending champions Ruaraka A had a tough day, suffering a 3-wickets loss to Shree Cutch Leva Patel Samaj (SCLPS YL A) in another Super Division encounter.
Ruaraka, batting first, scored 232 all out in 44.5 overs, but SCLPS chased the target with seven wickets down, with Ravi Rabadia top-scoring at 69 runs.
Hosts Sikh Union secured their second win of the season with a 6-wickets victory over Kenya Kongonis, while Nairobi Gymkhana A celebrated their maiden win of the season by defeating Sir Ali Muslim Club by seven wickets.
Week 7 matches saw Swamibapa cling to the summit of the NPCA log with 20 points, despite missing their injured skipper Rushabh Patel, who is expected to return soon.
Kanbis won the toss and opted to bowl first. Swamibapa had a shaky start, losing three wickets early on as Kanbis’s overseas paceman, Dhruvam Patel, claimed the first three wickets in his opening spell, reducing Swamibapa to 16 for 3 in the first five overs.
However, Swamibapa recovered through two solid partnerships: one between Dhwanil Patel and Harendra and another 100-run partnership with Yash Chavan, leading them to a respectable total.
Swamibapa’s professional player Sachin Gill praised the recovery efforts: “Yash and Dhwanil got us out of danger. Dhwanil scored a brilliant 124, and Yash chipped in with 38. The lower order also made a good contribution, which got us to 233. Kanbis had a flying start, but we came back with quick wickets and turned the game in our favor.”
Following early dismissals of Swamibapa’s top order of Harshvardhan Patel, Prashan Hirani, and Sachin Gill, Dhwanil Patel remained steadfast, scoring 124 off 117 balls, including 10 boundaries and 8 sixes.
Kanbis, despite a rapid start by openers Nelson Odhiambo (53 runs) and Pushpak Kerai (7), succumbed to the spinners led by Vraj Patel (3/35) and Yash Chavan (4/36), collapsing to 144 all out in 33 overs.
Sikh Union captain Sukhdeep Singh lauded his team’s performance against Kongonis: “It was a good effort from the boys. We restricted Kongonis to a low score, with Yug Patel taking five wickets.
The batting brilliance of Shubham Patel and Jasraj Kundi was amazing and a positive sign for Sikh Union. It feels great to get four points after not being able to play against Sir Ali last week.”
Nairobi Gymkhana opened their league account with an impressive win over Sir Ali A at Nairobi Gymkhana. After winning the toss, Sir Ali scored 200 all out in 44.3 overs, with a notable contribution from overseas player Onkar Jadhav (86 runs off 91 deliveries).
Gymkhana’s Dominic Wesonga (4/28) and Krishil Patel (3/42) shone with the ball. In response, Nairobi Gymkhana chased the runs in 42.3 overs, losing only three wickets, thanks to stellar performances by Yuvraj Bhatyani (68 not out) and Sami Sohail (78 not out).
In Division One, Wolves Cricket Club beat Sikh Union B by three wickets at Viraj International Academy.
Ngara A defeated Nairobi Gymkhana by seven wickets, Obuya Cricket Club A triumphed over Stray Lions B by five wickets, and Kanbis B avenged their A side’s loss with a 151-run victory over Swamibapa B.
Division Two also saw exciting matches, with Stray Lions C defeating An-nadil Jamaly by 30 runs, and Wolves B completing a double victory over the weekend by beating Obuya B by five wickets.
