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The Nairobian

Samaj C play Sikh Union C as Kanbis Development face Ruaraka C in Division 3 semis

Cricket

By Washington Onyango | Aug 31, 2024

**Stray Lions C pose for a group picture.** [Courtesy]

By many metrics, the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) Division Three 30-Over League has indeed been an awe-inspiring affair.

The cutthroat competition which led into this weekend’s semifinals; team rivalry, the roaring team fans; all and sundry have absolutely loved it.

The winners in semis will play in the final scheduled for September 7 at a venue that will be decided in due course.

According to NPCA Fixtures Secretary Vishal Bhojani, the Division 3 League was played on a round robin basis “where the log’s top team qualified for the semifinal against the number three team whilst second placed play in the other semi against the number four.

In Saturday’s semis, Shree Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj YL Development Team will tackle Sikh Union “C” at Eastleigh High School grounds while Kanbis Development take on Ruaraka C at Jamhuri High School grounds.

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In the competitive Division 3 table, Samaj Development emerged the number one team with 14 points ahead of Kanbis Development who garnered 12 whilst Sikh Union Development and their Ruaraka counterparts came third and fourth respectively on 10 and 8 points respectively.

This season’s NPCA Division Three 30-Over round robin league featured a total of 8 teams also including CK Development (5th), CK Amazon Hirani Ladies (6th), Hirani Development Men (7th) and Hirani Development Ladies (8th).

Samaj Development will peg their hopes on Krushil Varsani who is the leading run scorer at the present with 366 runs so far in 7 innings at an average of 73.20. Also, in

Samaj’s line up are Harshil Kerai, Sahil Halai and skipper Sandeep Kerai. Kanbis Development is expected to feature the likes of captain

Kaushal Mepani, Milan Kerai, Vinay Patel and Rikit Shantilal Bhudia among others.

Ruaraka has the likes of Bhavya Senghani (wk), Hirani Bhavia and Kundit Halai. Expected to star for Sikh Union are the likes of Rudra Patel, Manveer Singh and captain Avraj Singh.

Meanwhile, week 11 of the NPCA Division 1 and 2 50 Over league continues at various venues on Sunday.

Rikesh Patel led Kanbis B will be seeking to maintain their unbeaten run in Division 1 against Wolves Cricket Club A at Viraj.

Second placed Obuya A will host Ruaraka B at their Lenana backyard while third place Ngara A will play Stray Lions B at their home ground in South C’s Ngara Sports Club grounds.

Division Two leaders Ngara C have no fixture this weekend having already played 8 matches so far.

What this means is that if Stray Lions C defeat Kongonis B at Nairobi Club then they topple Ngara from the summit of Division Two with a two-point advantage.

Ngara B top the NPCA Division Two standings with 24 points. But Stray Lions C have a match at hand which could work to their advantage should they rise to the occasion, by and large, this weekend.

Stray Lions C captain Subin Abraham is happy with the progress of the team so far.

Out of seven matches, Stray Lions C have lost only once and have a very good chance to win the 50 over league if they maintain the sprit on our coming matches

“So, all matches are crucial for us and we are looking for win on all six remaining matches. Kongonis is very good side and we are playing against them on their ground. It will be an added advantage for them. Our team will be expected to be thoroughly prepared.

“This includes to understand opponent strengths and weaknesses, knowing the pitch conditions and having a game plan tailored to the situation. We are looking for a win against Kongonis to increase the chances of lifting this coveted NPCA 50 over league trophy,” Subin explained.

Sunday-week 11

DIVISION ONE

Obuya A v Ruaraka B (Lenana)

Nbi Gymkhana B vs Sikh Union B (Nbi Gymkhana) GI Unicorns A vs Swamibapa B (GI)

Wolves CC A vs Kanbis B (Viraj)

Ngara SC A vs Stray Lions B (Ngara SC)

DIVISION TWO

An-nadil Jamaly vs Swamibapa Development (Saifee) Kongonis B vs Stray Lions C (Nbi Club)

Obuya B vs Legends CC (Lenana)

SUPER LEAGUE

Ruaraka A v Swamibapa A (Ruaraka) Stray Lions A vs Kanbis A Nbi (Jaffrey’s) Sir Ali A vs Nbi Gymkhana A (Sir Ali) Sikh Union A vs SCLPS YL A (Sikh Union)