Swamibapa, Sikh Union in Harilal final

Swamibapa defeated last year’s champions Kanbis by six wickets at Sikh Union grounds to reach the final of the Harilal Shah Memorial Twenty20 cricket tournament.

At the Gymkhana oval, Sikh Union upset form book as they dismissed Stray Lions by 23 runs to snatch the other slot for the final. Swamibapa will have their main man and starting batsman Alex Obanda to thank for after his impressive show spurred them to the final. Obanda stood firm; making 89 runs not out as the Swamis chased 171.

Obanda was in a class of his own as he hit three boundaries and seven sixes. His first stand partnership with Nehemiah Odhiambo was nothing to write home about, as Odhiambo was bowled out by Harish Varsani in the second over.

Maurice Ouma stepped on the crease for another partnership with Obanda, but Kanbis bowler Dhiren Gondaria did not give him time to settle. He was caught after making just two runs. Saumil Patel was the second top scorer for Swamibapa with 35 not out.

Kanbis won the toss and elected to bat, making 170 for seven in 20 overs. National team captain Rakep Patel starred for Kanbis, hitting half a century, before he was caught by Maurice Ouma. Before being dismissed, Rakep earned five boundaries and three sixes. Nelson Odhiambo was the second best on the scorers list with 40 off 30 balls.