This archive report was first published on 17 November 2019.
On Sunday, November 17, 2019, Indian cricketer Rakesh Kahar made a statement with his bat, scoring a century as Swamibapa defeated Sir Ali Muslim Club by 80 runs in the inaugural Nairobi Invitational Cricket League (NICL) final at the Nairobi Gymkhana.
Kahar's impressive 102 runs, which included six sixes and four fours, not out, helped Swamibapa post a total of 298 for the loss of eight wickets in 50 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat.
Despite a strong chase by Sir Ali, who reached the final in a shocking turn of events, they could only manage 213 runs all out in 46.4 overs.
The highlight of the match was the thrilling partnership of 113 runs between Kahar and Dhwanil Patel, which was one of the standout moments of the tournament.
Patel, who scored 59 runs off 54 balls, fell to Vishal Kukandi's delivery, bringing Swamibapa's score to 250 for 5 in 46.6 overs.
Kahar hit the century in the last over, with Rushab Patel scoring 41 runs off 53 balls, and Ugandan Siranje Nsubuga claiming two wickets for Sir Ali.
International Maurice Ouma's two crucial catches, which sent Sir Ali skipper Gurdeep Singh and Vishal Kukedi out for the fourth and fifth wickets, respectively, turned the game in favor of Swamibapa.
Swamibapa's coach, David Tikolo, attributed their win to a well-planned game strategy, while Sir Ali's skipper, Gurdeep Singh, rued the wild bowling from his team and praised Swamibapa's fielding.
