Stray Lions find new home: Slow but sure, last year’s winners inch closer to title glory

NPCA 2017 Stray Lions' Batsman Collins Obuya (right) plays on back-foot as wicketkeeper Alex Obanda of Swamibapa awaits a delivery during NPCA League match at Jaffareys Sports Club on Sunday, Oct 23, 2017. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Champions oust Kanbis from top of NPCA league standings.

Champions Stray Lions ousted Kanbis from the summit of the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) Super League standings to enhance their chances of retaining the title.

Lions extended their winning streak after an eight wicket-win over hosts Ruaraka to gain crucial points that saw them claim the top spot.

Former holders Kanbis were not as lucky as their visit to Nairobi Gymkhana only resulted in shared points with their hosts as the rain rendered the wicket unplayable.

This was the second straight match they were being forced to share points after their much-awaited clash against Lions also failed to bowl off due to a wet wicket.

Lions now have 230 points, eight more than Kanbis, who have held the number one spot for the better part of the season.

However, Lions team manager Thota Sreenivas said his charges still have to work harder despite taking the lead.

“We still have a long way to go because this is just temporary top spot, which requires us to work harder if we want to maintain it.

“We have to maintain our unbeaten run and also win convincingly for us to earn more points and increase our chances of finishing at the top,” Sreenivas said.

He added that they can only consider the trophy theirs after winning the next three matches against Swamibapa, Sikh Union and favourites, Kanbis.

Swamibapa are third with 199 points following their 125 run-win over Sikh Union.

Sikh Union, who gained three bowling points from their encounter with Swamibapa, are fourth with 146 points, while Nairobi Gymkhana close the top five with 112.

Bowling first, Lions bowled out Ruaraka for a dismal 58 for 10 in 18.3 overs. Skipper Hiren Varaiya was brilliant with the ball, taking six wickets for 21 runs setting the stage for an easy chase of 59.

Nikhil Date and Shem Obado took two wickets each as Lions made work easy of their hosts. Samay Srivasyav (18) Chandresh Hirani (13) and David Maina (11) led Ruaraka’s scorecard.

In their innings, 45 balls is all Lions needed as they fought hard to finish the match amid threats of a possible washout due to the unpredictable rains in the city. Anup Fawdor’s unbeaten 31 guided Lions to deserved victory.

At Jaffrey’s Sports Ground Oval, hosts Swamibapa were no match for their guests Sikh Union. Veteran Lameck Onyango was superb with the ball, taking four wickets as Sikh Union lost 106 all out in their chase for Swamibapa’s 231.