The Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) Division One League is proving to be one of the most thrilling cricket seasons, with intense team rivalries and high-level performances keeping fans engaged.
NPCA Chairman Kanti Rabadia expressed his delight at the ongoing season, noting that the competition has set high standards, with the Division One and Two leagues serving as crucial feeders for the top-tier Super League.
Kanbis B, currently leading the Division One standings, are gearing up for a critical match against GI Unicorns A at the Goan Institute on Sunday.
The team will be relying heavily on their top-order batsmen, Hiren Kabariya, Kaushal Mepani, and wicketkeeper-batsman Mansukh Jesani, to maintain their lead.
GI Unicorns A, despite a heavy loss to Ruaraka by 204 runs in their last outing, are determined to bounce back. Peter D’Costa, a key figure at Goan Institute and the NPCA’s Honorary Treasurer, emphasized the team’s resolve, stating, “We are not done yet! There’s another 6 to 7 matches to go, and we’ll put on a fight, come what may.”
Second-placed Ngara SC A will face Ruaraka B at the Ruaraka Sports Club. Ngara A’s captain, Rajiv Sutaria, who is one of the leading run-scorers with 239 runs, will be crucial to their success. Alongside him, Nikul Patel, a consistent performer with a strike rate above 100, and Mehul Patel, are expected to play significant roles.
Ngara A’s strategy is straightforward yet effective, focusing on strong basics and not underestimating any opponent. Team Manager Harsha Patel emphasized the importance of sticking to the plan, saying, “The essence is to keep the basics right and not focus on who the opponent is. The plan for our batsmen is to play every ball to its merit and as bowlers to ball in the right areas, then indeed focus on building partnerships at regular intervals and playing session by session with a target in mind.”
The Division Two League also promises excitement with four matches scheduled. Wolves B will face An-nadil Jamaly at Viraj, while leaders Stray Lions C will take on Stray Leopards B at Peponi ground. Kongonis B will host Legends CC at Nairobi Club, and Ngara B will battle GI Unicorns B at Ngara’s home ground in South C.
Upcoming Matches
Division One
Ruaraka B vs Ngara SC A (Ruaraka)
GI Unicorns A vs Kanbis B (GI)
Sir Ali B vs Stray Lions B (Sir Ali)
Swamibapa B vs Nairobi Gymkhana B (Jamhuri)
Sikh Union B vs SCLPS YL B (Sikh Union)
Obuya A vs Wolves CC A (Lenana)
Division Two
Wolves B vs An-nadil Jamaly (Viraj)
Stray Lions C vs Stray Leopards B (Peponi)
Kongonis B vs Legends CC (Nairobi Club)
Ngara B vs GI Unicorns B (Ngara)
As the NPCA Division One and Two leagues continue, fans can expect more thrilling cricket action with teams striving to secure their positions and potentially earn promotion to the Super League.
