Kenya vs. Zimbabwe First ODI Preview

Kenya take on Zimbabwe today at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo in their much awaited return to International cricket. Martin Williamson in his preview on Cricinfo comments on the disinterest on this series and lack of attention it is getting. My reply to this is why have visits to my site over the last few days tripled, with most hits from search engines being along the lines of "Kenya vs Zimbabwe"? True, there is not the hype that would normally surround a cricket tour, but the interest is still there.
Most previews have mentioned the gulf in experience between the two sides. For the first time in history, Kenya goes into a tie with a more experienced team than their opponent. It sounds like we also have a much more cohesive unit than Zimbabwe, who are reported to be suffering more ructions over the choice of Terry Duffin as captain. All this is good for Kenya, and will stand us in good stead. On the flip side, as Williamson points out, Zimbabwe cannot afford to lose this series. Always be wary of a team with their back to the wall. Kenya's flight to Zimbabwe was also delayed by 9 hours in Nairobi, and they lost most of their nets session yesterday to rain. Hardly ideal preparation. Williamson does not make a prediction for the series citing the number of unknowns in the equation.

In the Nation, Richard Mwangi's article focuses more on the lack of spinners in Kenya's attack for what is supposedly a spinner's wicket. He goes on to give his ideas on the make up of the team:

"Kenya's batting lineup will be spearheaded by the veteran opening batsman Kennedy Obuya who like Tikolo is one of the most experienced players in the side. He is expected to share the wicket with Morris Ouma or his younger brother, David.
Patel is likely to play one down and is expected to be followed by Tikolo, Tony Suji, Thomas Odoyo, Jimmy Kamande, Josephat Ababu, Peter Ong'ondo, Tanmey Mishra, Nehemiah Odhiambo and Kalpesh Patel.
The bowling attack will be led by Luseno, Ong'ondo, Odoyo, Odhiambo, Ababu, Tikolo, Kamande, Patel, Suji, Mishra and Kalpesh"

Kennedy to open, is a fairly obvious choice, and I hope that Ouma, who I believe has the potential to do well for Kenya in this spot, partners him. While Brijal Patel has come in at first drop for Kenya in the past, I think the youngster, Mishra coming in at three, would better serve us. He has shown the ability to cope with the new ball should there be an early wicket, and has the potential to make big scores. Tikolo should keep his position at four - he is comfortable there, and able to turn it on in the middle overs. At 5 and 6, I am split between Odoyo and David Obuya. Obuya is more a specialised batsman, but Odoyo is the more dangerous of the two. I believe he would be better used at 5 rather than lower down the order. At 7 I would have another all-rounder, Brijal Patel, just over Jimmy Kamande. Despite the pitch, I find it difficult to see both of them in the team. It is a tough choice as both are excellent fielders, and have potential with the bat, though they are both at a make or break stage. I go for Patel, as he is a leftie, and has obviously been impressing in the nets to make the squad. He must perform however, or it is time for a replacement. Kalpesh Patel at 8, again as an all-rounder. He is a compact batsman, and has the ability to swing the ball as a bowling option. Of the bowlers, I would like to see Peter Ongondo for his experience, and then 2 out of the youngsters. Probably Luseno and Ngoche (Odhiambo), as they are reputedly the two quickest. Toni Suji would be the all-rounder I would pick as supersub, if one is to be used.

In Summary, my choice for the eleven to take the field:
1.Kennedy Obuya (wkt).
2.Maurice Ouma.
3.Tanmay Mishra.
4.Steve Tikolo (Capt.).
5.Thomas Odoyo (V.Capt).
6.David Obuya.
7.Brijal Patel.
8.Kalpesh patel.
9.Peter Ongondo
10.Alfred Luseno.
11.Nehemiah Ngoche.
12th man/Super sub: Tony Suji.

This line up gives us batting down to 9, two quick bowlers, 3 other seamers and two spinners. It has experience, plus youth, and should be enough to give Zimbabwe serious trouble. My pick for the result: I have to go Kenya, or I would be a traitor to this site. How much by is difficult to pick without knowing more about the opposition. We comprehensively beat a more experienced line up at the end of last year. We should be able to win today.

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Kenya team from:
Steve Tikolo (captain), Thomas Odoyo (vice-captain), Brijal Patel, Kennedy Obuya, Tony Suji, Peter Ong'ondo, Josephat Ababu, David Tikolo, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Alfred Luseno, Morris Ouma, Kalpesh Patel, Jimmy Kamande, Tanmay Mishra

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Zimbabwe team from:
Terrence Duffin (capt), Elton Chigumbura, Keith Dabengwa, Ryan Higgins, Anthony Ireland, Blessing Mahwire, Hamilton Masakadza, Keegan Meth, Waddington Mwayenga, Edward Rainsford, Piet Rinke, Gregory Strydom, Brendan Taylor and Prosper Utseya