Lions prey on NPCA title: Champs open 36-point gap in league standings

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]

Leaders have one hand on the title and are yet to lose this season.

Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) champions Stray Lions opened a 36-point gap at the summit of the Super League standings at the weekend.

Following their seven-wicket win over Sikh Union, Lions are just but assured of a successful title defence. With their closest challengers Kanbis having fallen by 49 runs to Swamibapa, this season’s title is now Lion’s to lose. They have maintained a good run this season and remain unbeaten so far.

Lions team manager Thota Sreenivas said they have good chances of retaining their title but they will refrain from getting too comfortable lest they be punished.

“Even though, we are at the top with a good margin, we have to remain focused because we still have matches that will determine how we end the season. So far so good and all we need to do is to ensure we maintain the good fight until the last match,” he said.

Against Sikh Union, Neil Navrekar’s unbeaten half ton steered Lions to victory. Manoj Sai had scored 36 off 43 balls but his stay at the crease was cut short after Gurdeep Singh got him caught.

Nehemiah Odhiambo took four wickets for 34 as Lions restricted Sikh Union to 109 for 10. Hiren Varaiya, who is currently one of the top bowlers in the league, took 3 for 16 while Abhishek Chidambaran took two for 18.

Joseph Owino (26), Abdul Rehman (18), Gangandeep Singh (18) Sandeep Adole (14) and Paranveer Singh scored for Sikh Union. Tarandeep Singh took two wickets for 22 while Gurdeep took one for 22 in Lions’ innings.

 Lions now lead with 266 points, 36 more than former holders, Kanbis, whose unbeaten run was ended by Swamibapa at the weekend.

Kanbis’ hopes of reclaiming their title were dealt a blow after their matches were washed out after heavy rains.

Their highly anticipated first round clash against Lions was not spared either, which forced them to share points with their opponents.

With only three matches left before the season ends, Kanbis will need to do more to appease the gods of rain and implore them to allow them play their remaining encounters. Kanbis have been the worst hit by the unrelenting rains with more of their matches being affected. Swamibapa are third with 218 following their Sunday’s win over Kanbis while Sikh Union are fourth with 153 points despite losing to Lions. Nairobi Gymkhana complete the top five tied on 127 points with sixth-placed Ruaraka thanks to their superior net run rate.

Debutantes Obuya Academy are seventh with 100 points ahead of Sir Ali Club, Cutchi Leva and Kongonis.