Newly promoted Kenya Kongonis clinched their maiden victory in the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) 50-Overs League, stunning the T20 Champions Stray Lions with a 5-wicket win. This upset marked the biggest surprise of the season so far.
Kongonis’ middle-order batsman, Thomas Ojijo, described their performance at their Nairobi Club home ground as awe-inspiring. “Second innings was a slow start due to the nature of the pitch, but our batters took their time to navigate through. It feels good to get the first win in the Super League,” said Ojijo. Despite their victory, Kongonis face a bye next weekend, allowing them more time to refine their game ahead of their next fixture against Samaj.
Stray Lions won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that quickly backfired. Kongonis’ opening bowlers, Jitendra Singh Gariya and Nirav Bhudia, capitalized on the overcast conditions. However, it was Ben Sidwell who shone brightest, capturing four quick wickets that paved the way for the spinners to exploit the pitch. Tom Ojijo took three wickets, while Shem Ngoche and Kelvin Nganga each took one, bowling Stray Lions out for a modest 111 runs.
In response, Kongonis made their runs through Nelson Taylor (28), Jitendra Gariya (26), and Brian Likavu (26), successfully chasing down the target.
Kanbis and Swamibapa Sparkle
Former champions Kanbis and Swamibapa continued their strong campaigns with impressive victories. Swamibapa A defeated Sir Ali Muslim Club by 5 wickets at Nairobi Jaffrey’s. Dhwanil Patel led the charge with an unbeaten 60 off 66 deliveries. Vraj Patel was instrumental with the ball, taking four wickets to dismantle Sir Ali’s batting lineup.
Kanbis overcame Champion Ruaraka by 52 runs at Ruaraka Sports Club. Batting first, Kanbis posted a solid 249 all out in 45.1 overs, thanks to contributions from Sachin Bhudia (48) and Maxwell Swaminathan (58). Ruaraka struggled in their chase, losing wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 197 in 37 overs, despite Gautam Waghela’s valiant 87 runs.
Swamis’ new signing, Sachin Gill, expressed his delight with the team’s performance. “The match was good. We won the toss and decided to bowl first. The wicket was a bit helpful and we took advantage of that and got them out for 140. Even in the start, we lost a couple of quick wickets but Dhwanil and other batters got us through, such a great feeling.”
Samaj’s Dominant Victory
Hiren Kerai’s century off 98 balls powered Samaj (SCLPS YL A) to a commanding 221-run victory over Nairobi Gymkhana A. Gymkhana elected to field first, but Samaj A piled on a formidable 336 for 6 in their 50 overs. Lucas Odhiambo Ndandason contributed 79 off 29 balls, while Niraj Patel added 53. Gymkhana struggled in their chase, being bowled out for just 117.
This weekend’s matches highlighted the competitive spirit and emerging talents in the NPCA 50-Overs League, promising more exciting cricket action in the weeks to come.
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