RUSHAB’S LONG WAIT: Despite Patel’s 98 runs, three figure score still a pipe dream after Gymkhana lose at Kanbis

Nairobi Gymkana's Wicket Keeper Kavi Dosaja, left, catch ball after Battsman Dhiren Gondaria of Nairobi Gymkana missed it during Nairobi Province Cricket Association league at Eastleigh High School on Sunday, June 10, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Rushab Patel admitted personal disappointment as he once again fell short of three figures as his side Nairobi Gymkhana lost to hosts Kanbis as the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) league.

The visitors lost 34 runs for 4 wickets to fall by 27 runs in their chase of 248 runs at Eastleigh High School despite Rushab’s 98 runs.

The youngster’s fall on 90’s was his third in a row in three competitive matches at the Nairobi League entered its second week on Sunday. Last month on his national team debut, Rushab scored 95 runs as Kenya lost their ICC World Cricket League Championships to Papua New Guinea.

The son of former national team batsman, Nipun Patel, followed up that with 94 as Gymkhana beat Sikh Union last Sunday before following it up with 98 at Eastleigh.

“Little bit disappointed, three matches in a row I missed the centuries. But the most painful thing is that we lost the match that we were poised to win,” Rushab said after the match.

“We batted and bowled well and had the match in our hands until when we lost the three wickets.”

Rushab’s knock came from patient play, though his half-paced approach left the visitors with little work to do after he was dismissed with the team on 177-5 in the 36th over.

Nikul Patel had earlier put on a strong bowling show picking five wickets for 45 runs to bowl out Kanbis for 241 runs.

Dhiren Gondaria was the top scorer for the home side with 77 runs from same number of balls.

Nehemiah Odhiambo was another disappointed man after missing a century by seven runs as Swamibapa easily beat hosts Kongonis by 80 runs at Nairobi Club. Odhiambo’s 93 led the visitors to 245 for 6 which was a huge recovery from 121 for 6 after 35 overs. Odhiambo clobbered six sixes and same number of fours as he remained unbeaten from 60 balls.

In reply, the hosts could only manage 165 in 40.4 overs with Eugene Maneno top scoring with 52.

Shaumil Patel was the architect of Kongonis slump with four wickets.

At Simba Union, the home team Sikh Union beat Ruaraka by 70 runs to register their first win.

Electing to bat, the home side posted 310 for 7 with Chiraq Sisodia (52), Gurdeep Singh (55) and Zaheed Abbas (69) all scoring half ton.

Keyur Parmar with 77 and Sai Vajit Gohil with 50 were the top scorers for the visitors who ended on 240 runs.

Stray Lions were the biggest winners of the weekend with a record 354 runs win over Cutchi Leva at Samaj School with Abraham Vadada scoring 176 runs

Vadada also put up a record first wicket stand of 284 as the visitors posted 421 for 4 in 50 overs batting first before the hosts were bowled out for 67 in reply thanks to Shem Obado and Hiren Varaiya’s nine wickets.