The battle for supremacy in the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) 50-Overs Division One intensifies this weekend as unbeaten leaders Kanbis B clash with third-placed Ngara A at the Ngara Sports Club.
With only a few games left in the season, the outcome of this encounter could be crucial in shaping the title race.
Kanbis B, who have been in scintillating form, will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches. Last weekend, they comfortably defeated Goan Institute by five wickets, demonstrating their dominance in the league.
Openers Hiren Kabariya and Kaushal Mepani will be at the forefront of their batting lineup, while skipper Rakesh Hirani and all-rounder Jignesh Kerai will play key roles. Kanbis B cannot afford to slip up, as a defeat would shake their position at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, Ngara A, who were relegated from the elite Super League to Division One, are determined to bounce back and reclaim their spot in the top tier. A win against the high-flying Kanbis B would not only halt the leaders’ momentum but also propel Ngara A to 30 points, significantly enhancing their title chances.
Ngara A’s strength lies in their star players, captain Rajiv Sutaria, and the Patel duo, Nikul and Mehul, who have been instrumental in their team’s success. Sutaria, in particular, has been in excellent form, being the third leading run-scorer with 274 runs at an average of 34.25, coupled with his 11 wickets at an economy rate of 4.68. His leadership and performance will be crucial in guiding Ngara A to victory.
In other Division One matches, Obuya Academy A, captained by the experienced Collins Obuya, will face Sikh Union B at the Sikh Union Nairobi ground. Obuya A, currently in second place with 28 points, are aiming for a promotion back to the Super League and will start as favorites. Their depth in experience and tactical prowess make them formidable opponents, and a win would keep them within striking distance of Kanbis B.
The NPCA Division One title race is heating up, with only six points separating the top three teams. Kanbis B leads with 32 points, followed by Obuya Academy A with 28, and Ngara A close behind with 26. As the competition enters its final stages, every match becomes a must-win, and the pressure mounts on the leading contenders to maintain their momentum.
The Division Two contest also promises exciting cricket, with leaders Ngara B facing Obuya B at Lenana. Ngara B, with 20 points, will look to keep their top spot as second-placed Stray Lions C, who have 18 points, take on Swamibapa Development at Impala grounds.
As the NPCA 50-Overs Division One and Division Two leagues progress, cricket fans can expect thrilling action and high stakes, with every run and wicket potentially making a significant impact on the final standings.
DIVISION ONE
Wolves CC A vs Ruaraka B V(iraj)
Ngara SC A vs Kanbis B (Ngara SC )
Sir Ali B vs Swamibapa B (Sir Ali )
Stray Lions B vs GI Unicorns A (Peponi)
SCLPS YL B vs Nbi Gymkhana B (SCLPS)
Sikh Union B vs Obuya A (Sikh Union)
DIVISION TWO
Obuya B vs Ngara B (Lenana)
Stray Lions C vs Swamibapa Development (Impala)
GI Unicorns B vs Kongonis B (GI )
DIVISION ONE
1.Kanbis B 32 (NRR 2.531)
2. Obuya Academy B 28 (NRR 1.650)
3. Ngara A26 (NRR 1.305)
4. Ruaraka B18 (NRR 0.970)
5. Sikh Union B 18 (NRR 0.391)
DIVISION TWO
1. Ngara B 20 (NRR 1.271)
2. Stray Lions C 18 (NRR 1.228)
3. Stray Leopards B18 (NRR -0.169)
4. Legends 16 (NRR 0.683)
5. Wolves C.C. B 16 (NRR -0.007)
