Cricket: Kanbis A renew rivalry with Ruaraka ‘A’ in NPCA 50-Over League

Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) 50-Overs League defending champions Kanbis ‘A’ have always remained resilient and undeniably impregnated at their Eastleigh backyard.

This is largely due to their trusted crop of battle-hardened players among them Rakep Patel, Dhiren Gondaria, Sachin Bhudia and Nelson Odhiambo who helped the Eastleigh giants recapture the NPCA 50-overs league title in September last year.

Kanbis recaptured the NPCA 50-Overs Super League title with a massive 256-run victory over immediate former champions Ruaraka ‘A’ at Eastleigh High School grounds which earned them the unassailable lead and indeed the title.

This weekend Kanbis ‘A’ kickstarts their Super League defense campaign with a tricky one against Ruaraka ‘A’ in what will no doubt be a scintillating start to the longer version of the game on Sunday.

Although no one knows what's up the sleeves of the two giants, this will definitely come about with the much-needed fireworks and resilience.

Kanbis Captain Dhiren Gondaria sounded enthusiastic of their 50-overs title defense, saying: “At the moment, I can't say anything, but most probably three new pros from last season and the same locals. As usual we will play fearless cricket and results will speak volumes about our preparedness.” Kanbis has registered only one overseas player i.e. opening bowler Dhruvam Patel from India.

Ruaraka has reinforced their side by bringing back overseas player Maxwell Swaminathan who last season turned out for Kanbis and was instrumental in their title winningcampaign.

Ruaraka has also registered two (2) new overseas professional players i.e. Vinay Suresj Kunwar and Satyalaksh Jain as they aim to reclaim the 50 overs League title this season.

NPCA T20 champions Swamibapa ‘A’ are the other strong contenders for the 50-Overs League title this season. They are unquestionably no pushovers in 50-overs, given their past experience and having finished runners up to eventual winners Kanbis A last season.

Swamibapa, led by Rushab Patel has a mixture of very talented youngsters like Prashang Hirani and Harendra Kerai and backed by Vraj Patel and Sachin Gill. They have also beefed up their squad for the league by bringing in 3 new professional players Yash Chavan, Jadhav Onkar and Dhwanil Patel.

Swamibapa ‘A’ take on Stray Lions ‘A’ at Jamhuri, whilst SCLPS ‘A’ hosts Simba Union A.

Sikh Union skipper Sukhdeep Singh says his team is retaining the same team that took part in the T20 championship which culminated in March.

“We don’t have any new players in the team. We are going in with the same squad from the T20 season with the majority of the youngsters. Our overseas professionals for the season will be Shoaib Akram, Izat khan and Shaheen Hasnain,” said Sukhdeep.

Newly promoted teams Kongonis ‘A’ and Ngara ‘A’ return to 50-overs’ top flight action as both square off at the latter’s backyard in South C’s Ngara Sports Club.

Like the Sikhs, Ngara are also using the same team that played in the T20.

Ngara Team Manager Harsh Patel said: “We maintain the same team for the upcoming Super League season led by Rajiv Sutaria and our new Vice-Captain Dhyey Patel. Stalwarts of the team are Mehul Patel, Nikul Patel and Amit Shukla who we will depend on for their experience.”

Harsh continued: “As for the international pros we have Shubham Chagg and Ganesh Mansuria for the entire season and Aezaz Kotariya for 4 games.”

Sir Ali A will host Nairobi Gymkhana A in another Super Division match. Both teams have added 3 overseas players to boost their squad for the league. Nairobi Gymkhana has registered Mohit Jhawa (previously played for SCLPS), Ali Butt and Muhammad Faisal. Sir Ali on the other hand have brought in Mohammad Ahtisham, Hrishikesh Abhay Motkar and Aniket Mangesh Patare.

Division One has four matches on the cards this weekend without Ngara A who have been promoted to Super league.

Ngara B have been promoted to Division one and play their first match away to Goan Institute A. Obuya A plays Swamibapa B at their Lenana backyard.

NPCA Chairman Kanti Rabadia is hopeful more talent will "burst onto the scene" in the 50- overs league season which starts on Sunday at various city venues.

 “Excitement is palpable for the weekend. All teams are itching for the bat, since the conclusion of the T20 season in Match and a deserved three-months break. We anticipate some super cricket this season in the Super Division and Division One, the first few match weekends are usually exciting since the players form is on focus, thrills and spills are guaranteed,” highlighted Kanti.

This season, we have registration of more than 27 overseas players for the super division turning out for various teams.

This will definitely increase the competitiveness of our league and also assist us in development of our young talented cricketers who will be playing alongside these highly experienced overseas players.