The Nairobi County Cricket Association (NCCA) 50 Overs League hits second gear this Sunday with a Super Division table tighter than a new ball and plenty of overseas firepower set to light up Nairobi’s grounds.
After a dramatic opening weekend last Sunday, Ruaraka “A” sit top with 4 points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of 2.240, ahead of Ngara SC “A” on 1.820 and Kanbis “A” on 1.520.
With the top three level on points, means this weekend’s results could flip the order again. Sir Ali “A” is the only side on a bye.
–Ngara rediscover their bite–
The story of Week 1 was Ngara A’s 91-run upset of Swamibapa A at Ngara Sports Club in South C, Nairobi.
The win ended Swamibapa’ s aura of invincibility and announced Ngara’s return as contenders.
The catalyst was Indian pro Shubham Chhag, who cracked a match-defining century to take Ngara past the 250 mark! With Satyam Chaudhary and Avnish Kerai rounding out their pro squad, Ngara now have three 50-over registered overseas players who could propel them from underdogs to title contenders.
Ngara “A” host Kanbis A in a summit clash that’ll definitely shake the Super Division awake. Eastleigh-based Kanbis arrive fresh from a 76-run win over Sikh Union “A” at Sikh Union Club, with openers Pushpak Kerai, Keval Buva (wk), Smit Patel, Navneet Vora and Shruti Kalawadia expected to feature again.
Dhiren Gondaria, Sachin Bhudiya and evergreen Rakep Patel are also expected to shine for the Eastleigh side.
–Leaders Ruaraka test SCLPS YL “A”–
The Nitish Hirani-led Ruaraka “A” demolished Sir Ali “A” by 112 runs last weekend to snatch the summit on NRR.
The Thika Road side will lean on their indefatigable quartet of Maxwell Swaminathan, Satyakesh Jain, Omkar Chule and former Kenya international Morris Ouma for Sunday’s home game against Shree Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj (SCLPS YL “A”) at Ruaraka Sports Club.
Samaj will need a big response in an anticipated explosive start to the season.
–Swamibapa Out to Rebound–
The Rushabh Patel led Swamibapa “A” were stunned by Ngara “A” but remain dangerous, given the quality of players they’ll field including national team player Sachin Gill.
Swamis host Nairobi Gymkhana “A” at Jamhuri with their three registered professionals, Dhwanil Patel, Haswang Brahmbhatt and Onkar Jadhav. Gymkhana will counter with its three professionals in Shubham Sisodiya, Mohit Jhawa and Ali Shahid Butt. A win for Swamibapa resets their campaign, while Gymkhana wants to build for their absence in Week 1.
–Stray Lions vs Sikh Union–
In another Super League encounter, Stray Lions “A” kickstart their campaign against Sikh Union A at their Peponi backyard. Stray Lions’ pro list is stacked: Chagamreddy Varun Teja Reddy, Kanumun Varma, Simon Ssesazi, Shubham Jadhav, Parth Chandar and Aaditya Srivastava. Sikh Union led by Captain and Keya team player Sukhdeep Singh reply with Ali Raza, Sumit Parashar, Muhammad Daniyal, Ali Haider, Ambrish Kara, Kishan Vatsari and Abdullah Amin.
Expect runs and tight bowling at the death in Peponi.
–Division One One Fixtures–
The second tier also serves up 6 key games.
SCLPS YL “B” hosts Ruaraka “B” at SCLPS. Kanbis “B” meet Ngara “B” at Eastleigh High School ground. Nairobi Gymkhana “B” face Swamibapa “B” at a venue to be confirmed. And Sikh Union “B” welcome Wolves CC “A” at Sikh Union.
With fewer pros listed in Division One, local talent will decide who climbs early.
“With top-notch overseas professionals spicing up the competition, our local talent is rising to the challenge. The standard is high, and the entertainment is going to be vibrant. We’re set for a thrilling season, still early days, though.” Narendra NK Patel, Hon. Secretary, NCCA highlighted.
Division Two League also kicks off this weekend with 5 fixtures across different venues in Nairobi. Last season’s winners, Legends CC A, were promoted to Division One, which gives room for the others to fight for the title and possible promotion to division one.
Stray Lions B starts as favourites for the title after narrowly missing out on the title last season.
Sun/05/07/26
SUPER DIVISION Ruaraka A vs SCLPS YL A (Ruaraka)
Ngara SC A vs Kanbis A (Ngara)
Stray Lions A Sikh Union A (Peponi)
Swamibapa A vs Nbi Gymkhana A (Jamhuri) Sir Ali A Bye
DIVISION ONE
SCLPS YL B vs Ruaraka B (SCLPS)
Kanbis B vs Ngara SC B (Eastleigh)
Nbi Gymkhana B vs Swamibapa B (TBC)
Sikh Union B vs. Wolves CC A (Sikh Union)
Sir Ali B vs Obuya Academy A (Sir Ali) Kongonis A vs Legends CC A (Nbi Club)
DIVISION TWO
An-nadil vs. Stray Lions B (Saifee)
Obuya B vs Kongonis B (Lenana)
Nairobi Royals vs. Legends B (Nbi Jaffrey)
Vardhan Academy vs. GI A (GI)
Wolves B vs. Nbi Jaffrey (Viraj)