The Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) T20 season is set to begin with a thrilling set of matches across various venues in Nairobi on Sunday. This season will feature three categories of competition: Super Division, Division One, and Division Two. The Super Division, the most prestigious category, includes 10 teams split into two groups, A and B.
Group A comprises the NPCA League Champions Kanbis A, Ruaraka A, SirAli A, Shree Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj YL A, and the defending T20 champions Stray Lions A. In Group B, the 2023 T20 champions Swamibapa A will face off against Sikh Union A, Nairobi Gymkhana A, Nairobi Club’s Kongonis A, and the newly promoted Ngara Sports Club A.
The season’s opening match between Kanbis A and Ruaraka A, scheduled for 14:00, is particularly anticipated. This clash, a part of Group A, promises to be a star-studded encounter that could significantly influence the trajectory of both teams’ seasons. Kanbis A, with their strong lineup featuring players like Dhiren Gondaria and Rakep Patel, will look to make the most of their home advantage. Ruaraka A, on the other hand, will aim to turn the tide after a heavy loss to Kanbis A in the previous season’s 50 Overs Super League Final, where Kanbis won by a massive 256-run margin.
The opening weekend is not only about the Super Division, but also about the Division One match between Kanbis B and Ruaraka B, which will serve as a curtain-raiser for the main event between the Super Division teams. This match, taking place at Eastleigh, will set the tone for the intense competition that follows.
In addition to the exciting Super Division matchups, the T20 season will also feature some of the biggest names in NPCA’s shorter version of the game. Swamibapa, fresh off their victory in the Swamibapa Golden Jubilee T10 tournament, will look to maintain their momentum as they face Ngara Sports Club A in another key Super Division clash. Swamibapa, having failed to secure the NPCA 50-Overs League title last year, will be eager to make a strong start to the season.
The defending champions, Stray Lions A, who won the 2023 T20 title in a dramatic final against Swamibapa A, will be under pressure to live up to their title-winning form. Despite a lackluster performance in the 50-Overs League, Stray Lions A will be determined to defend their T20 crown, bolstered by new signings such as Irfan Karim and Emmanuel Bundi.
Other notable matches include Sir Ali A’s campaign opener against Kongonis A, which will be held at Sir Ali ground. Sir Ali A, who had a disappointing season last year, will be hoping for better performances this time, with the arrival of three overseas players strengthening their squad. Nairobi Gymkhana A will also face SCLPS YL A at Nairobi Gymkhana grounds, both teams eager to improve on their previous seasons.
In Division One, Swamibapa B will take on Ngara B at Jamhuri, while Sikh Union B hosts Stray Lions B at Sikh Union grounds. Sir Ali Muslim Club B will square off against Goan Institute A at Sir Ali.
Division Two, featuring 10 teams in Group A and 9 teams in Group B, will see each team play a round-robin format. The top four teams from each group will progress to the quarterfinals. The Division Two matches scheduled for Sunday include Stray Lions C vs An-nadil Jamaly A at Peponi School, Goan Institute B vs Legends CC A at Goan Institute, and Nairobi Gymkhana B vs Sikh Union Development at Nairobi Gymkhana.
Overall, the NPCA T20 season promises to deliver a series of thrilling encounters, with intense competition in all divisions. Fans can expect high-quality cricket as teams vie for supremacy in Nairobi’s premier T20 competition.
