Twenty-20 finalists decided (just)

In a replay of last years final, Kenya's top two clubs, Nairobi Jafferies 'A' and Swamibapa 'A' will meet to decide this years NPCA Twenty-20 crown.

Swamibapa were convincing in their semi against Aga Khan. Batting first, Jimmy Kamande's 36 helped them to a respectable 149 which they defended with ease. Aga Khan never looked likely to get the runs, and finished way off the mark on 107.

Swamibapa 'A' 149 (J.Kamande 36, T.Mishra 3-27, H.Karia 2-23) defeated Aga Khan 'A' 107 for 7 (B.Patel 16) by 42 runs.

Where the first Semi final was one sided, the other was anything but. Kanbis 'A' won the toss and elected to bat. Despite tight performances from Thomas Odoyo, and a rejuvenated Collins Obuya, Kanbis managed to take their score to 120. No small part of this was due to a battling Ramesh Mepani, who backed up his half century in the quarters with a much needed 33. Selectors take note.

In reply, Jafferies got of to a solid start, and at the halfway mark, looked in a good position at 2 for 65.

We constantly hear TV commentators going on about "the best way to slow the scoring is to take wickets". Kanbis obviously have access to Supersport, as they followed this advice, and upped the pressure on the chasers by doing just that. Still, going in to the last over, it still looked like the match could go either way. Jafferies had Obuya, no slouch with the bat, at the crease and Mepani was bowling. Things didn't quite go as planned however for Jafferies, and a tightish over meant they still needed a single of the last ball to win the match. Obuya tried to work the ball and was rewarded by the sounds of timber falling behind him. Kanbis went into celebration mode, but the joy was cut short as they realised, that despite the runs being tied, Jafferies would still proceed to the final by dint of having lost fewer wickets.

Kanbis 'A' 120 all out (R.Mepani 33, T.Odoyo 4-10, C.Obuya 2-11) tied with Nairobi Jafferies 'A' 7 - 120 (A.Sheikh 30). Nairobi Jafferies through to final due to losing less wickets.

These results should set up a thrilling final with some of Kenya's most exciting batsmen facing some of our best bowlers. My money would probably be on the Swami's, but if Odoyo and Obuya keep up this weekend's form, Jafferies will be in with a real chance.