The Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) Division Three 30-Over League has been a thrilling spectacle this season, captivating fans and players alike with its intense competition and dramatic matches. As the league heads into its decisive semifinal stage this weekend, excitement is at an all-time high.
Scheduled for Saturday, September 2, the semifinals will see the top four teams battle it out for a spot in the final, which is set to take place on September 7.
The specific venue for the final is yet to be announced. According to NPCA Fixtures Secretary Vishal Bhojani, the Division 3 League followed a round-robin format, with the top team on the log playing the third-placed team, while the second-placed team faced off against the fourth-placed team.
In the first semifinal, the Shree Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj YL Development Team, which emerged as the league’s top team with 14 points, will go head-to-head against Sikh Union C, who finished third with 10 points.
This match will take place at Eastleigh High School grounds. Meanwhile, the second semifinal will feature Kanbis Development, who finished second with 12 points, playing against Ruaraka C, who secured the fourth spot with 8 points. This game will be hosted at Jamhuri High School grounds.
Samaj Development has had an outstanding season, largely thanks to Krushil Varsani, the league’s leading run-scorer, with an impressive tally of 366 runs in seven innings at an average of 73.20. Supporting Varsani are Harshil Kerai, Sahil Halai, and team captain Sandeep Kerai. Sikh Union C will be banking on key players like Rudra Patel, Manveer Singh, and skipper Avraj Singh to guide them to victory.
Kanbis Development, known for their consistent performances, will rely on their captain Kaushal Mepani, along with notable players like Milan Kerai, Vinay Patel, and Rikit Shantilal Bhudia.
Ruaraka C, on the other hand, will look to Bhavya Senghani, Hirani Bhavia, and Kundit Halai to deliver a match-winning performance.
In addition to the Division 3 semifinals, the NPCA Division 1 and 2 50-Over leagues will continue with their respective matches on Sunday, September 3.
In Division 1, the unbeaten Kanbis B, led by Rikesh Patel, will play against Wolves Cricket Club A at Viraj. Obuya A, currently second in the standings, will host Ruaraka B at Lenana, while third-placed Ngara A will face Stray Lions B at the Ngara Sports Club grounds.
Division 2 leaders Ngara C have no fixtures this weekend, providing an opportunity for Stray Lions C to overtake them at the top if they secure a win against Kongonis B at the Nairobi Club. Stray Lions C, captained by Subin Abraham, have only lost once in seven matches and remain optimistic about their chances of winning the Division 2 50-Over league if they continue their impressive form.
As the NPCA Division Three 30-Over League reaches its climax, fans are eagerly anticipating another weekend of thrilling cricket, where every run and wicket will bring teams one step closer to the coveted trophy.
