Ruaraka’s hitman, Sachin Gill, in action during last Sunday’s NPCA Super Divison match against Cutchi Leva.
Home team Kanbis A beat leaders Ruaraka A to send the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) Super Division 50-Overs Leagues title down to the wire.
In a dramatic match of the titans hosted at Eastleigh High School ground, Kanbis celebrated a 52-run victory over their Thika Road rivals to avenge their first leg 2-rum defeat in July.
The result also handed Stray Lions a lifeline of sorts following their 9-wickets win over Swamibapa at Nairobi Jaffrey’s.
What this means is that leaders Ruaraka go into their last fixture away to Sikh Union with 44 points tally which is the maximum their closest rivals Kanbis and the Lions can achieve.
Stray Lions and Kanbis are both on 40 and will be hoping that Sikh Union decimates Ruaraka in the last match to leverage on the run rate rule that is if both win on the last week of the Super Division competition next weekend.
–Sublime Jadhav on his way to 1000 runs–
At Jaffery’s, Shubham Jadhav’s century off 109 deliveries was all that Stray Lions needed to annihilate Swamibapa A.
Jadav now needs 58 runs in their last match against Kanbis A at Eastleigh next weekend to rack up a fairytale 1000 runs score from 14 innings.
Jadhav’s scintillating 112 at Jaffery’s went down as his third successive century and his fifth of the season!
–Kanbis’ lifeline —
Kanbis skipper Dhiren Gondaria was all smiles and here’s what he had to say about their home ground advantage: “We know the wicket,we know the outfield and how it reacts, we are always lethal at home and we can chase or defend any target.”
Dhiren added: “Our first leg away game that we lost to Ruaraka was a game that would have been remembered for long if we could have made it to the final line, but yes it was a sweet revenge, loved the way our boys gave there 150% today.”
Ruaraka won the toss and elected to field first. But Kanbis were bowled out for 207 in 45.0 overs. In reply, Ruaraka could only manage 155 for 10 in 37.3 Overs.
Dhiren continued: “Fielding first was their choice, but they almost gave us bad times as we felt that 207 runs were enough on that wicket and the way we bowled I think even 180 would have been enough. All in all, brilliant fielding from the guys as well those 50/50 chances that made us win the game.”
Ruaraka hitman Sachin Gill was left to rue their second defeat of the season saying: “We have to play out last game against Sikh Union to win the title. It now depends on the last game, but then again, we are still positive in our title aspirations. I think it was a good idea to field first.”
“I believe 207 was a chaseable target as we scored 155 without even playing well. I honestly believe it was not a game won by them but a game lost by us. Losing our top order in the first six overs was tough,” explained Sachin, who incidentally walked back to the pavilion for a rare duck, contrary to all expectations.
“In a game of cricket you win some and lose some; Kanbis played well, you have to give them the credit,” Sachin quipped.
And it was double celebration for Kanbis as their B side defeated home team Ruaraka B by 3 wickets in Division One.
Division one leaders, Kenya Kongonis A handed Samaj B side an 89-run blow to cling onto the summit of the log with 42points.
Kanbis B are patched on the second position with 40 points after 13 matches. Swamibapa B made up for their A team undoing at Jaffery’s when they defeated Stray Lions B by 2 wickets.Goan Institute A team beat Sikh Union B by 13 runs.
In other Super Division matches, Samaj A defeated Obuya Academy by 62 runs whilst Nairobi Gymkhana A beat Sikh Union A by 72 runs.
