Kenya Still Just Alive At Stumps on Day 3

For those who missed yesterday's action, and the heroics of the last couple of sessions, a brief recap:

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There was controversy early in the day due to a wet patch that caused play to be suspended while things got sorted out. When Tikolo and Odoyo resumed in the afternoon, Odoyo fell to ten Doeschate with the Kenyan score still on 185 - a long way short of the 325 needed to avoid the follow on. Ashish Karia, the next man in hung around just long enough for Tikolo to add 6 runs, before trying a rash shot and getting caught. Kenya really in a jam at 7-185.

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Then came the 8th wicket stand between Peter Ongondo and Steve Tikolo. Ongondo is in the team as a bowler, and though he has scored a few runs in ODIs, he is one of those explosive tailenders who generally only manage to hang around a couple of overs. He may get a duck, or he may get twenty off 10, but he would not be an ideal choice to hole up one end in a match saving stand. In a real effort of concentration, Ongondo managed to remain at the crease for two and a half hours, and kept out 156 balls, scoring 30 along the way. Overall, the partnership added 123 runs, a record for the competition that took Kenya to within reach of the follow on target. Unfortunately, 11 runs short, Ongondo was tempted to drive one that he probably shouldn't, and he was out. Unlike Karia, who should have kept his patience, Ongondo can hardly be blamed. He performed well above expectations with the bat, and provided the foil for Tikolo's steady progress at the other end. A great effort in a tough situation.

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Rajesh Bhudia came in next, but was run out when he tried to return strike to Tikolo but was sent back. A costly mistake due to inexperience, but the Dutch must have thought they had it sown up. Now it was Hitesh Modi's turn, and with 10 runs still needed he strode to the crease, bandaged hand and all. Holland must have been licking their lips in anticipation of a quick final wicket, then another go at Kenya's openers. Playing one handed, Modi had other ideas. Despite the pain, he managed to keep his wicket intact long enough for Tikolo to turn it on with 3 overs to go of the day's play, and take Kenya safely past 325 with a four followed by his first six of the innings. Two fantastic efforts. Tikolo has shown once again he is a player of true class, and for Modi to bat at all is pure selflessness. Kenya reached the close of play with both batsmen still in, and on 332 runs. We are still 132 short of the Dutch first innings total, but the efforts of the players in the afternoon has restored Kenya's pride. Congratulations to those involved, and here's hoping Steve and Hitesh can bat for as long as possible this morning.

A complete run down on yesterday's play can be read on cricket Europe.