Zimbabwe restrict Kenya to 228

Kenya won the toss this morning and elected to bat. Fielding a strong bowling line up, but one a bit weak in batting, Kenya were relying on their top batsmen to come good. Maurice Ouma opened the batting with Kennedy Otieno Obuya, but fell for a tortured 3 off 15 with the score on 35 to give Zimbabwe a good start. Tony Suji joined Obuya at the crease, and added 25 off 50, as Kenya built a second wicket partnership of 85 runs, before Suji fell to P.Rinke, caught by the captain, Duffin. Kenya then proceeded to lose wickets at regular intervals, with Obuya (84) and Tikolo (23) soon joining the others back in the pavilion. Thomas Odoyo showed why he should be used further up the order with a fighting run-a-ball 46, but he was offered little support by Tanmay Mishra - run out for 4, and Brijal Patel, caught for a duck. Jimmy Kamande did offer some resistance with a quick 15 runs, but in the end, Kenya simply lost too many wickets to post a good total. The annoying thing is that none of the Zimbabwe bowlers particularly excelled. H Masakadza was the pick with 2-26, but Kenya should have done better. This was not the start we were hoping for against an inexperienced team, and having won the toss. In reply, Zimbabwe are currently 69 for no loss, with Rinke looking particularly dangerous on 41 off 42. Hopefully, Kenya can come up with some wickets soon, or this will be an embarrasing result. The match is being updated live at http://www.ecb.co.uk/stats/live/live.html?id=12914

Update 1.

Ongondo bowls Rinke for 42. Zimbabwe are now at 1-86, and their run rate has dropped to 4.8 per over. Considering they only need 4.6 an over, and have wickets in hand they are still looking strong, but a glimmer of hope at least. I have to say, I'm not that happy with the team selected for this match. Luseno has been billed as a strike bowler - where is he? Why did Suji come in at 3? Why are both Brijal and Jimmy Kamande playing. Hopefully the result will bear this out, but otherwise there better be some changes for the next match.

Update 2.

Duffin has his 50. Things are not looking good for Kenya at this stage. After 25 Overs, Zimbabwe going along at 5 an over: 1-126. Ababu and Ngoche are proving expensive. Kamande into the attack. Lets hope the spin can do something!

Update3.

Duffin run out for 53, but Zimbabwe in cruise mode at 5 an over.

2-185 after 34. We need someone to pull out 8-44 in the next 16 overs. This is not a good enough display. Kenya has to find some firepower in the bowling department or we will be in for a very tough series.