8 wickets! Irfan Karim leads Nairobi Gymkhana past Kongonis

Kenya’s Irfan Karim during a past training session at the Ruaraka Sports Club. PHOTO | FILE |

What you need to know:

  • Martin Okoth (41) was Kongonis’ top scorer. He shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 53 with Emmanuel Opura (25), which was the best stand for the side.
  • Dola Abala (14) was the other batsman who posted meaningful runs on the scoreboard.
  • In reply, Gymkhana were home and dry, 112 runs with eight wickets and 11 balls in hand.

Irfan Karim on Saturday spearheaded Nairobi Gymkhana’s bating line up to thrash beat hosts Kongonis by eight wickets in the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association’s Twenty20.

Batting first, Kongonis set a target of 112 for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Martin Okoth (41) was Kongonis’ top scorer. He shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 53 with Emmanuel Opura (25), which was the best stand for the side. Dola Abala (14) was the other batsman who posted meaningful runs on the scoreboard.

Bhavya Thakkar was Kongonis’ main executioner taking three wickets for 19. Raj Savala (1/14), Lucas Oluoch (1/16), Nikul Patel (1/25) and Harsh Patel (1/36) were the other wicket takers.

In reply, Gymkhana were home and dry, 112 runs with eight wickets and 11 balls in hand.

Karim was Gymkhana’s highest runs getter with 33. He gave his team a flying start when he shared an opening partnership of 47 with Abdul Najmi (18).

The stand was broken when Dola Abala (2/32) had Najmi caught by Dominic Wesonga. Karan Kaul with unbeaten 32 shared a winning fourth wicket stand of 45 with Prashant Sirinivas (19 not-out). Abala was the Kongonis’ sole wicket taker.

Gymkhana will host Cutchi Leva on Sunday in a game that they start as favourites to win. However, the match of the day is expected to be between Swamibapa and Stray Lions at the Peponi School.

Defending Twenty20 champions Kanbis will travel to Sikh Union Club where they will fight it out with the home side.