The much-anticipated Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) Twenty20 season is finally here, with matches set to kick off at various venues in the city this Sunday. The T20 season will see teams competing in three categories: Super Division, Division One, and Division Two.
In the elite Super Division, ten teams are split into two groups, A and B. Group A features heavyweights like NPCA League Champions Kanbis A, Ruaraka A, SirAli A, Shree Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj YL A, and defending T20 champions Stray Lions A. On the other hand, Group B consists of Swamibapa ‘A’, Sikh Union A, Nairobi Gymkhana A, Nairobi Club’s Kongonis A, and the newly promoted Ngara Sports Club A.
NPCA Hon. Secretary Narendra Patel, also known as “NK,” is optimistic that the opening weekend matches will not only showcase intense rivalries but also display some top-quality cricket skills.
One of the most anticipated clashes is the Eastleigh Derby between Kanbis A and Ruaraka A. Kanbis A, led by skipper Dhiren Gondaria and Rakep Patel, will look to continue their dominance at their home ground. The last time these two teams met, Kanbis A emerged victorious with a massive 256-run margin.
In Division One, Kanbis B will take on Ruaraka B in a curtain-raiser before the Super Division A teams clash. Meanwhile, the favorites for the T20 season, Swamibapa, will face off against Ngara Sports Club A in another exciting match-up. Swamibapa recently clinched the Swamibapa Golden Jubilee T10 tournament title and will be looking to start the season on a high.
Defending champions Stray Lions ‘A’ will also be in action, bolstered by the signings of Irfan Karim and Emmanuel Bundi. The team will be eager to defend their title after a disappointing performance in the 50-Overs League.
Other matches in the Super Division will see Sir Ali ‘A’ taking on Kongonis ‘A’, Nairobi Gymkhana ‘A’ facing SCLPS YL ‘A’, and Sikh Union A clashing with Stray Lions A.
In Division Two, teams will compete in a round-robin format before the top four from each group advance to the Quarter Finals. Exciting fixtures are lined up for the weekend, including matches between Stray Lions C and An-nadil Jamaly A, Goan Institute B and Legends CC A, and Nairobi Gymkhana B and Sikh Union Development, among others.
Overall, the NPCA Twenty20 season promises to deliver thrilling cricket action and intense competition across all divisions. Fans can expect to witness some outstanding performances as teams battle it out for supremacy in the shorter format of the game.
