Former national cricket team skipper Maurice Ouma, who scored his maiden 2021 NPCA Super League 50 as Swamibapa maintained their unbeaten run with a hard-fought two wickets win over Nairobi Gymkhana, has insisted that he is focusing on improving his performance with each passing day, adding his only aim is to contribute towards team’s win.
On Sunday, Ouma scored 57 runs off 106 balls and alongside Jignesh Hirani (20), shared a crucial partnership of 45 for the third wicket to help Swamibapa acquire the required 173 in 41 overs with two wickets in hand.
“I am happy with how I have performed in the last two matches. Last week, I scored 30 and today, I got a 50. But that is not enough, I have to make sure that I get my team through. Last week — against Sikh Union — I was disappointed with how I got out and today I also got out cheaply,” Ouma said.
“I want to focus on my progress as a player. You have to believe in yourself. I’m only focusing on doing whatever the team management decides is good for us.”
However, Ouma’s 25 overs resistance was almost heading into vain when there was a mini-collapse as soon as he was dismissed.
After being dismissed in the 34th over with 39 required, they lost three more wickets for 18 runs before they finally got the winning runs.
Ever since Swamibapa lost Alex Obanda, Naman Patel and Irfan Karim, their batting has remained slimmed with the team’s hopes remaining in the hands of Ouma and skipper Rushab Patel.
“It’s obvious the gap left by the three is huge and that has left a huge load on Rushab and I. We need to ensure that we perform and, at the same time, guide the youngsters we have promoted,” Ouma said.
Hirani who has been a member of Swamibapa’s second team before being promoted into the first team has had a good show so far, a performance that has left the youngsters yearning for more success.
“I’m not saying I am where I want to be but I’m just trying to improve everyday,” said Hirani. “Every inning is important for me. As a youngster, I just want to learn and improve.”
Once again, James Ngoche was the toast of Swamibapa bowling with 4 for 33 with Hirani adding on 3 for 33.
