The Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) 50-Overs Super League is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling seasons in recent memory, with the competition for the coveted title still wide open.
As Round 2 kicked off, the top four positions on the log remain unchanged, promising cricket fans plenty of excitement in the weeks to come.
Swamibapa A continues to hold onto the top spot in the NPCA first-tier league, amassing 28 points. However, they share this tally with Kanbis, who trail only on Net Run Rate (NRR).
Meanwhile, defending champions Ruaraka have pulled ahead of Sikh Union by four points. Sikh Union had a bye this weekend but will be back in action next weekend, hosting SCLPS YL A in what promises to be a crucial match for their campaign.
In a turn of events, the match between Kenya Kongonis and Nairobi Gymkhana was abandoned due to unplayable conditions, with both teams receiving a No Result (NR) on the nine-team table.
Kanbis Crush Sir Ali with Record-Breaking Performance
At the Eastleigh High School ground, Kanbis A delivered a masterclass, thrashing Sir Ali Muslim Club A by 189 runs. Sir Ali opted to field first after winning the toss, but Kanbis made them pay for that decision. Led by skipper Dhiren Gondaria, who smashed a century off just 70 balls, Kanbis posted an imposing total of 361 for six in 40 overs.
Other notable contributions came from Rakep Patel, who scored 73 off 41 balls, Maxwell Swaminathan with an unbeaten 56 off 27 deliveries, and opener Pushkar Kerai, who added 42 off 29 balls. In response, Sir Ali struggled against Kanbis’ bowling attack, with Sheryas Gurav taking five wickets, cementing his lead as the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 23 wickets. Despite a spirited 53-run effort from Onkar Haresh Jadhav, Sir Ali could only manage 172 runs in 28.4 overs.
Swamibapa Maintain Top Spot with Dominant Win
Leaders Swamibapa A continued their pursuit of the title with a resounding nine-wicket victory over SCLPS YL A at Nairobi Jaffrey’s ground. The visitors were bowled out for a mere 111 runs in 31.2 overs, thanks largely to Yash Chavan’s impressive five-wicket haul. Swamibapa’s top order then made light work of the chase, reaching the target in under 16 overs. Skipper Rushab Patel led from the front with a solid 39 off 40 balls, while Sachin Gill’s 60 off 46 balls ensured a comfortable win.
Ruaraka Reaffirm Title Defense with Big Win
Defending champions Ruaraka showed no signs of slowing down, defeating Stray Lions A by a whopping 180 runs at their home ground, Ruaraka Sports Club. Viraj Deepak Jadhav’s century and Gautam Waghela’s explosive 81 off just 32 balls were the highlights of Ruaraka’s innings, which saw them post a total of 251 for four in 20 overs. Stray Lions, in response, were bundled out for just 71 runs in 12.3 overs, unable to withstand Ruaraka’s relentless bowling attack.
Waghela’s performance not only sealed the victory but also solidified his position as the leading run-scorer in the league, amassing a total of 454 runs across seven innings, ahead of Sir Ali’s Onkar Haresh Jadhav, who has scored 428 runs.
Super League Points After Week 9
- Swamibapa A: 28 points (2.408 NRR)
- Kanbis A: 28 points (1.977 NRR)
- Ruaraka A: 24 points (2.479 NRR)
- Sikh Union A: 20 points (1.012 NRR)
- Nbi Gymkhana A: 12 points (-1.809 NRR)
- Sir Ali A: 10 points (-0.310 NRR)
- SCLPS YL A: 10 points (-1.125 NRR)
- Kenya Kongonis A: 10 points (-2.331 NRR)
- Stray Lions A: 6 points (-2.455 NRR)
