Obanda’s century secures Swamibapa league second spot
Stray Lions' Shem Ngoche (right bats under pressure from Swamibapa wicketkeeper Maurice Ouma (left) during their Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association Super Division League match at the Nairobi Jaffrey ground on October 7, 2018. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- Obanda’s 121 came off 68 deliveries with 13 boundaries and eight sixes. He was Swamibapa’s highest runs getter.
- Batting first Swamibapa set a target of 285 by the time all their batsmen were sent back to the pavilion at the 42.4 overs.
Swamibapa finished second in the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association Super Division League after thumping Stray Lions by 171 runs at Nairobi Jaffrey ground on the final day of the competition on Sunday.
Swamibapa’s dependable opening batsman Alex Obanda blasted a quick century to lay the foundation for what ended up to a comfortable win.
The loss proved massive for Lions, who missed out on finishing in second spot, and had to settle for third.
Champions Kanbis secured the title two weeks ago and with two matches to spare.
They beat Cutchi Leva by 52 runs at Samaji School, Nairobi West also Sunday to sign of on a high.
Nairobi Gymkhana defeated Ruaraka by eight wickets at Gymkhana. The result condemned Ruaraka to a Super Division season of no match won.
Obanda’s 121 came off 68 deliveries with 13 boundaries and eight sixes. He was Swamibapa’s highest runs getter.
Batting first Swamibapa set a target of 285 by the time all their batsmen were sent back to the pavilion at the 42.4 overs.
Naman Patel (50 of 49 balls with three boundaries and a six), and Pankaj Sanghani (37 off 62 balls with five boundaries), were Swamibapa’s batsmen who shone with the bat.
Obanda gave his team a flying start with an opening partnership of 168 with Pankaj.
The stand was broken when Pankaj was caught by Abhijit Velma off the bowling of Shem Ngoche (3/71).
Former flamboyant Kenya captain Maurice Odumbe bowled very well taking three wickets, all ducks.
His victims were Mitesh Sanghani who was caught by David Mutua. He had Mayur Pindoria caught by Abhijit Velma and trapped Emmanuel Bundi leg before wicket.
Nehemiah Odhiambo (1/36), Manoj Chaurasia (1/74) and Alex Kamanjiri (1/14) were the other wicket takers.
In reply, the Lions were routed for a paltry 113 in just 20.5 overs.
Ngoche top scored for the Lions with 60 that came off 28 balls with seven boundaries and three sixes.
Ngoche put on an opening stand of 79 with Anand (22 off 21 balls with four boundaries).
The duo and David Mutua (10) were the only Lions’ batsmen who posted double digit figures on the scoreboard.
Jadavji “Malindi” Bhimji was Lions’ executioner taking six wickets for the same number of runs conceded.
Deepak Pal (2/15) and Lameck Onyango (1/27) were the other wicket takers.
