For Kenyan fans hoping that their side would bounce back from an embarrassing first up loss to Uganda, the second 20-20 match held yesterday proved to be a disappointment.
Once again Kenya batted first and again Uganda made Early inroads as Maurice Ouma and Rakep Patel were both dismissed cheaply in the first 3 overs. David Obuya (37 off 23) provided some impetus but his wicket sparked an all too familiar collapse. His efforts were also let down by the rest of the top order who amassed a mere 11 runs between them.
A late rally by Nehemiah Odhiambo (22) and Hiren Varaiya (14) helped Kenya to a better total than in the first game, but 104 is still too small a target for a team that has aspirations on qualifying for the 20-20 World Cup. 3 run outs did nothing to help the cause.
Uganda's run chase was once again sparked by opener Roger Mukasa who made 23 off 27 and though captain Akbar Baig was run out with the score on 11 and pinch hitter Lawrence Sematimba failed, Ivan Thowithemwira (30 off 27) continued the good work finding support in Arthur Ziraba (21).
Jimmy Kamande rallied the Kenyans taking 3 for 20 and Lucas Oluoch impressed with this economy rate, but in truth the bowlers were defending too small a total for this format of the game. Uganda made it home just in the last over with Seiga Asadu finishing in style with a six to win the match with 2 balls and 2 wickets to spare.
Another great win for Uganda who now certainly seem to have overtaken Kenya at the shortest format of the game. Kenya for their part will be frustrated to have let this one slip away and will want to reverse the results in the upcoming ODI series. Considering that both teams had some big guns missing, there may be some excuses made, but bottom line is that Uganda proved the better team in both these games and that is something that must send chills down any Kenyan's back who cares for cricket in the country.
For Uganda's part, these wins are a huge testament to efforts they have put in to improve their game. Kenya would do well to take some leaves out of their book. The ICC meanwhile should take note of these results and consider expanding future 20-20 World Cup qualifiers to include more teams - their potential can no longer be denied.
Kenya 104/7 (D Obuya 37, Neh Odhiambo 22)
Lost to
Uganda 109/8 (Thowithemwira 30, Mukasa 23, Kamande 3/20)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
1 comment:
The Kenyans could sadly not contain a determined Uganda side in the conclusion of play in the second 20/20 and have now lost the series in Nairobi.
Uganda have done it in the past. They got the better of Kenya.
in the Twenty20 Quadrangular 2007/08 Bangladesh & Pakistan were the other 2 sides.
Kenyas 20/20 performances till date has been Sub-Par.
However this loss is not the end of the world, and it is pretty likely that Kenya will come out with all guns blazing in the one dayers.
The more elongated version, The more Uganda have to preserve pressure on a side superior to them.
Post a Comment