Ngara B clinch NPCA Division Two title after dominant win over Stray Lions C

Ngara Sports Club B defeated archrivals Stray Lions C by 52 runs at home to claim the prestigious Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) Division Two title in their penultimate match.

The "South C troops" secured the championship when Stray Lions C failed to chase the 188-run target set by Ngara in the first innings.

Stray Lions C won the toss and chose to bowl first in what turned out to be a high-tension encounter, thrilling fans with impressive cricket displays.

Ngara B was bowled out for 188 in 38.3 overs, a total that initially seemed within reach for the visitors. However, their chase faltered as they were bowled out for 136 in 38.4 overs.

This result ended Stray Lions C’s title hopes, forcing them to wait until next season for another chance at the trophy. Meanwhile, Ngara B celebrated back-to-back titles, having already clinched the T20 Championship earlier in the season.

In mid-March, Ngara B defeated Legends Cricket Club by 17 runs at Sikh Union Club to win the NPCA Division 2 T20 title. Their latest victory over Stray Lions C guaranteed them an unassailable 40 points, with one match remaining. Stray Lions C remain on 30 points, with a maximum possible 38, should they win their remaining matches against Wolves and Obuya B.

Ngara B's team manager, Harsh Patel, praised his players for executing a well-planned strategy and delivering a memorable season.

"This is a day to remember, with both seniors and youngsters coming out victorious. As a club, we’re on cloud nine. Rajiv Sutaria, our senior batsman, contributed greatly, providing experience to our skipper, Piyushkumar Patel," he said.

Patel also congratulated Stray Lions for being fierce competitors throughout the season.

In another Division Two match, Kenya Kongonis Cricket Team B delivered a crushing 280-run defeat to Goan Institute B at Nairobi Club.

Player of the match, Joseph Odhiambo, starred for Kongonis, taking 4 wickets and scoring 36 off 45 balls. Kongonis set a formidable target of 322 for 9 in 50 overs, while Goan Institute could only manage 42 for 9 in 15.1 overs.

Kongonis skipper, Thomas Ojijo, contributed 81 off 63 balls, while Nirav Bhudia top-scored with 85 off 62 deliveries.

 Reflecting on their win, Ojijo said, "It’s been great to stay active and get more game time after the Super League. We're focusing on development by giving our juniors a chance to play in Division 2, and it's great to see the progress. Having a 15-year-old like Mihir Patel step up and play league cricket is a huge milestone for us."

At Impala, Stray Leopards B defeated the Legends Cricket Team by 5 wickets, while at Jamhuri, Swamibapa Development edged out Obuya B by 1 wicket in a thrilling match. Obuya posted 195/8 in 50 overs, with David Obuya leading the charge with a half-century (59 runs). In response, Swamibapa chased down the total with 9 wickets down, thanks to contributions from Divyang Varsani (42 runs) and Mukesh Hirani (28 not out).

• LENANA: Swamibapa 222/9 (50.0 overs) lost to Obuya B 223/5 (48.0 overs) by 5 wickets.
• SAMAJ STADIUM: Sir Ali B 246/10 (46.5 overs) lost to Samaj B 247/5 (46.4 overs) by 5 wickets.
• GOAN INSTITUTE: GI Unicorns A 177/7 (36.0 overs) lost to Sikh Union B 181/5 (27.4 overs) by 5 wickets.