After suffering multiple defeats which threatened their Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) Super League title defence, Kanbis Sports Club finally found their way back to winning ways and would hope to follow that path when they host Ruaraka Sports Club on Sunday.
The third-placed Kanbis, who have won just one of their last four matches, beat Cutchi Leva by 38 runs but must maintain the winning attitude in their remaining games if they want to retain the title.
The hosts will also go into the match with revenge on their minds after their three-wicket loss to Pushkar Sharma’s side in July.
The Dhiren Gondaria-led side has suffered four losses so far, including three in a row. It’s the first time they have lost more than three matches in a season.
Since being toppled by leaders Stray Lions, the Eastleigh High School-based side has lost its mojo and have been left searching for a footing.
Ruaraka, on the other hand, have had one of their best seasons so far with a number of shocking results including last week’s win over Swamibapa and their first leg win against Kanbis.
However, they are expected to boost their side with the availability of all-rounders Nelson Mandela and Emmanuel Bundi, who missed the back-to-back losses to Swamibapa and Sikh Union.
Ruaraka, on the other hand, have had one of their best seasons so far with a number of shocking results including last week’s win over Swamibapa and their first leg win against Kanbis.
Even though bowling remains an area of concern for Ruaraka, batsmen including Sharma, Zephania Arinaitwe and Chandresh Hirani are in top form.
Sachin Gill and Pankaj Desai also stepped up their game in the last match against Swamibapa and would be expected to play a key role on Sunday.
Sharma’s contribution to the team has been arguably the best as he sits on top of the batting chart with 577 runs from eight games while Ugandan international Arinaitwe has finally managed to get his form back with 258 in nine innings.
Stray Lions will be keen to extend their stay at the top of the log when they play away to Cutchi Leva while second-placed Swamibapa will be away to Sikh Union.
Nairobi Gymkhana, who have finally found their form with three back-to-back wins, will be at Lenana to battle it out against bottom-placed Obuya Academy.
After two consecutive losses, Sir Ali Muslim Club will be hoping to make amends when they visit Ngara Sports Club.
