Cricket: Top guns win in NPCA Super League

Nairobi Gymkana's Wicket Keeper Kavi Dosaja, left, awaits for a delivery as Battsman Dhiren Gondaria of Kanbis aim at the ball during Nairobi Province Cricket Association league at Eastleigh High School on Sunday, June 10, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Rakep Patel scored a double ton as former champions Kanbis Sports Club eased to an emphatic 216 runs win over hosts Ruaraka Sports in a Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) Super League match over the weekend.

Vinod Rabadia hit the century mark, Dhiren Gondaria scored a half ton, while in-form Kanbis secured their third victory of the season.

At Sir Ali, promoted Obuya Academy beat Cutchi Leva by 124 runs to register their maiden win in the Super League. In other matches, defending champions Stray Lions, Swamibapa and Sikh Union were also victorious in their respective ties.

Rakep, who is also the national team’s captain, said he is working hard to regain his form after being out injured.

“I was out of action for months and I’m currently focusing on improving my form. I have done well but I believe I still need to work harder because this is a process,” Rakep said.

Kanbis, who are seeking to reclaim their? title, have had a good run and won their third match on the trot. Rakep was superb with the bat as he cracked the edge 28 times, smashed 15 boundaries and blew away 13 sixes to top the scores for his side with 200 runs off 120 balls.

He really had his way as he scored at will while Ruaraka bowlers struggled to dismiss him. However, after many failed attempts, Purshotam Vekaria finally got him caught.

Rabadia scored 108 unbeaten as he hit seven fours and five sixes, while Gondaria hit 52 off 59 before he was dismissed. Kanbis registered an impressive 443 for six in 50 overs. In their defence, national under-19 team captain Sachin Bhudia? took three wickets and conceded 29 runs.

[Elizabeth Mburugu]