The ninth week of the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) 50-Overs Super League promises a weekend of intense cricket action as top-tier teams continue their battle for supremacy.
With league leaders Ruaraka A on a bye this weekend, the spotlight shifts to their closest rivals, Swamibapa A and Kanbis A, who will be keen to capitalize on the opportunity to close the gap at the top of the standings.
Kanbis A vs Kenya Kongonis A
Kanbis A, currently third on the log, will host newly promoted Kenya Kongonis A at their Eastleigh High School ground. Having bounced back from a tough loss to Swamibapa A with a convincing win last weekend, Kanbis skipper Dhiren Gondaria is confident his team can maintain their momentum. “As we did last weekend, forgetting the loss we had to face in the previous game against Swamibapa, we will go harder and harder game by game. Guys are in a solid mood to perform at any given day,” Gondaria said.
Despite being favorites, Kanbis are not taking Kenya Kongonis lightly. The Kongonis are coming off a 6-wicket loss to reigning champions Ruaraka A but are determined to avoid another setback. Former Kongonis skipper Tom Ojijo, reflecting on their previous match, emphasized the challenges of batting on a slow pitch, which limited their innings to just 91 runs. However, he remains optimistic about their chances against Kanbis, noting that his team is ready to bounce back.
SCLPS YL A vs Sikh Union A
Meanwhile, at the Shree Cutch Leva Patel Samaj (SCLPS) ground, the hosts will face a formidable Sikh Union A side. Currently sitting fourth on the NPCA Super League table, Sikh Union are eager to close the gap with the top three and finish the season on a high note. Led by skipper Sukhdeep Singh, the Sikhs have been in impressive form, bolstered by the recent addition of two professional players, Shoaib Akram and Ali Butt.
Sukhdeep is confident that his team, now strengthened and balanced, will not be underestimated. “This was the experience we needed in our team and we are glad to have Shoaib and Ali and indeed learn from them since we are a young squad. We already had an amazing experience and coming into this league we didn’t want any team to take Sikh Union lightly,” Sukhdeep said.
The Samaj team, playing at home, will need to be at their best to counter the Sikhs’ well-rounded squad. The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams having much to play for as the season heads into its crucial stages.
Nairobi Gymkhana A vs Swamibapa A
Elsewhere, Swamibapa A, placed second on the log, will travel to face Nairobi Gymkhana A in a match they must win to keep pace with Ruaraka A at the top. Swamibapa, known for their aggressive play and depth in both batting and bowling, will be looking to secure maximum points and possibly dethrone Ruaraka A from the summit depending on how results pan out.
Stray Lions A vs Sir Ali A
At Nairobi Jaffrey’s, the struggling Stray Lions A will take on Sir Ali Muslim Club A. With Stray Lions languishing at the bottom of the nine-team league, they will be desperate to turn their fortunes around and climb up the standings. A win over Sir Ali could provide them with the much-needed confidence boost as the season progresses.
As the NPCA 50-Overs Super League approaches its halfway mark, every match is becoming increasingly important. With Ruaraka A on a bye, the onus is on Swamibapa A and Kanbis A to close the gap and potentially shake up the standings. Sikh Union A’s clash with Samaj is another key fixture that could have significant implications for the top half of the table.
Cricket enthusiasts can expect a weekend filled with high stakes, intense competition, and possibly, a reshuffling of the standings as the NPCA Super League continues to showcase the best of Nairobi’s cricket talent.
