KANBIS’ TOUGH TASK: Former Champs in decisive NPCA T20 clashes

Kanbis Cricket team’s Wicketkeeper Pakesh Shah in action during a past match at Jerffereys Academy. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO /STANDARD]

Former Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) Twenty20 titleholders Kanbis Sports Club have three matches lined up this weekend.

Currently third on the NPCA log with 41 points from eleven outings this weekend’s results will determine if they play in direct qualification for the final or the eliminator match.

Kanbis who relinquished their NPCA crown to Swamibapa last year will tackle reigning champions this afternoon away at Jaffrey’s Grounds before playing two more matches tomorrow. Kanbis will be seeking to avenge the seven wicket loss to Swamibapa in the first round that saw them bowled out for 81.

However, both sides will be missing key players who are away in India on national duty. Kanbis will be without the services of all-rounder national team skipper Rakep Patel, wicket-keeper Dhiren Gondaria, Nelson Odhiambo and spinner Pushpak Kerai. Swamibapa on the other hand will be without opening batsman Alex Obanda, bowlers Nelson Odhiambo and Elijah Otieno.

In a second match that is likely to rekindle the sad memories of thefirst round match that ended prematurely, Kanbis will be away at Peponi School,Ruiru where they face off with hosts Stray Lions. Kanbis walked off allowing Lions to have the victory after disputing a run out on Vinod Rabadia in a match played at Eastleigh High School Grounds last month. After the meeting with Lions they will then return to their homeground to entertain bottom placed Cutchi Leva.

Swamibapa are second on the table standings with 45 points nine less than leaders Stray Lions and double victory at the weekend will increase their chances of defending the title.

Today unbeaten Lions will be seeking to complete a double on Gymkhana having beaten them in the first round. Nonetheless, they will have to make that happen without skipper Karan Kaul as well as Lucas Oluoch and Rushabh Patel who are way on national assignments.

In other encounters Cutchi Leva will host second string Sikh Union who are yet to win a match since replacing the more experienced players who fell out with the club management at their oval in Nairobi West.

At Nairobi Club, Kongonis will entertain Ruaraka today as they seek to build on the victory against struggling Sikh Union last Sunday.

Elsewhere, in Baroda, India the men’s national team will today take on Baroda Cricket Association under-23 side in the second buildup match at Reliance Grounds.

They are preparing for a crucial International Cricket Council World Cricket League Championships clash against Nepal. This will be the second of the four friendly matches in India. They began well with a seven wickets win over GSFC on Thursday.