After starting the year off in the worst possible way with the outright loss to Scotland in the Intercontinental Cup, Kenya have bounced back in the best possible way with a convincing 4-0 win in the 20-20 tri-series with Scotland and Uganda. Given that as little as two months ago, victory in any 20-20 game looked remote indeed as Kenya hosted and lost to Uganda 3-0, the emphatic nature of the series win has got to have boosted confidence ahead of this week’s World Cup Qualifiers in the UAE.
In Kenya’s first match, Maurice Ouma won the toss and elected to field. Uganda started belligerently scoring 30 off the first 10 overs before Nehemiah Odhiambo struck and from then on, Kenya looked in control of the match. Wickets fell at regular intervals with four of the Kenyan bowlers each picking up a brace as Uganda set a target of 123/9 off their overs. Though Nehemiah Odhiambo, newly promoted to opening the bowling in the absence of Odoyo and Ongondo took the book-end wickets, it was the spin department, especially Hiren Varaiya (4-1-9-2) who really impressed.
Kenya’s run chase was lead by a new opening pair of Steve Tikolo and David Obuya and it was an experiment that proved a resounding success every time. The pair put on 66 for the first wicket (Obuya for 24), and Tikolo went on to set a new Personal Best as he marched to 63 off just 44 deliveries to bring Kenya within touching distance of victory. Maurice Ouma (2*) and Alex Obanda (31*), himself hitting a PB of his own did the rest and the 3-0 series loss in December was part way towards being avenged.
Kenya’s second match should have seen stiffer competition in the form of Scotland, but the visitors were clearly unable to reproduce their form from the Intercontinental Cup as Kenya first restricted them to 109/9 – again with the spinners doing the damage: Shem Obado impressing in his first International graded match with figures of 4-0-10-2 while jimmy Kamande picked up 3/28.
Again Tikolo (46 off 28) and David Obuya (60 off 48) opened and again, it proved to be a masterstroke from Eldine Baptise as the pair raced Kenya to a 10 wicket win inside 13 overs. If you include Obado’s figures on debut, it was Personal Bests for four of Kenya’s players.
Kenya’s third match saw them bat first for the first and only time in the tournament and with Tikolo rested, Obanda moved up the order to join David Obuya (18) as opener. It proved to be a position he enjoyed as he made a new Personal Best of 43 off 24 to set up the rest of the line up for a big total. Maurice Ouma (39) and Collins Obuya (79* off 45) duly added their names to the list of Personal record breakers as Kenya went on to set a daunting 186 – easily the biggest total of the tournament.
Credit to Uganda who stuck to their guns in the run chase and for a while looked as though they might cause an unlikely upset. Another Kenyan debutante for the series, Nelson Odhiambo proved the difference in the bowling however as he ripped through the middle of the Ugandan innings to take 4/25 including the wicket of the dangerous looking Roger Mukasa (66). Tony suji chipped in with 2/25 and Jimmy Kamande executed two brilliant run outs to ensure Kenya finished victors by 14 runs.
Kenya’s second match against Scotland was very similar in result to their first, but it was yet another personal best and astonishing bowling performance from Nehemiah Odhiambo who took 5/25 as Kenya bowled out their visitors for 123. It is only the second time a player has taken 5 wickets in a full 20-20 international and a huge achievement for the player on whose shoulders the main bowling responsibility for Kenya now rests. Nelson Odhiambo also picked up 2 wickets while suicidal run outs accounted for the rest.
Again it was the Tikolo-Obuya show in reply and the two raced neck-a-neck to their 50s. Obuya (65* off 47) won that race by just one ball, but then continued to set yet another Personal Best at this level while Tikolo’s 56* off 42 was also a new personal record as again Kenya ran out winners by 10 wickets, this time with five and a half overs to spare. Note that the matches vs. Uganda were graded Twenty20 by the ICC whereas the matches vs. Scotland were graded T20Is.
All in all, the series was a great achievement for Kenya in the warm ups to the WC Qualifiers, but it is that fact that should remain as a stark reminder that the real work is yet to be done. Kenya play Scotland again today in a final warm up in Abu Dhabi, and on this form, should win again, but it will all count for naught if they do not get through to the final two in the qualifying tournament. If the players can continue to produce Personal Bests at this rate though, that should be a distinct possibility.
Showing posts with label Kenya. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kenya. Show all posts
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Comprehensive Revenge
Kenya registered their first international win of 2010 with a comprehensive 8 wicket win over Uganda in he first 20-20 match at Nairobi Gymkhana earlier today.
Winning the toss, Maurice Ouma opted to field and was rewarded with a tidy effort from his bowlers who restricted Uganda to 123/9 in their 20 overs. Things started well enough for Uganda who raced out of the blocks at 10 an over before Nehemiah Odhiambo, who had been bearing the brunt of the onslaught had Arthur Kyobe trapped in front for 6 (Uganda 31/1). Just 2 balls later, Jimmy Kamande removed the explosive Roger Mukasa and Kenya were suddenly looking good.
From then on, it was a fairly regular procession back to the pavilion for the Ugandan batsmen as Odhiambo, Kamande, Varaiya and Obado all chipped in with 2 wickets a piece. Varaiya was Particularly impressive as he also conceded just 9 runs off his 4 overs - his second personal best in as many games. So far he is proving the form player for Kenya in 2010.
Kenya's reply saw a change in the batting line up with Steve Tikolo opening with recalled David Obuya. It proved to be a good decision as the pair raced to 66 before Obuya was out caught by Baig off Arinaitwe for 24. Tikolo continued the onslaught unfazed and was rewarded with his first international 50 at the shortest format of the game. He did later become the second and last Kenyan casualty as he finally holed out to Thawithemwira off Muhumuza, but by then he had made 63 off just 44 deliveries and Kenya were as good as home.
Maurice Ouma came in to join Alex Obanda who was en route to a personal best of his own with 31 off 24 deliveries including the winning runs which came as he dispatched Muhumuza to the boundary with 16 balls still remaining. It was a convincing and emphatic victory for a side that lost their last 20-20 series to Uganda 3-0 and will have injected some much needed confidence into the side after the recent Intercontinental Cup match to Scotland. It also indicates a vast improvement at this format which bodes well ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in February.
Kenya 127/2 (Tikolo 63, Obanda 31*)
beat
Uganda 123/9 (Baig 23, Mukasa 23, Varaiya 2/9, Kamande 2/18)
by 8 wickets
Winning the toss, Maurice Ouma opted to field and was rewarded with a tidy effort from his bowlers who restricted Uganda to 123/9 in their 20 overs. Things started well enough for Uganda who raced out of the blocks at 10 an over before Nehemiah Odhiambo, who had been bearing the brunt of the onslaught had Arthur Kyobe trapped in front for 6 (Uganda 31/1). Just 2 balls later, Jimmy Kamande removed the explosive Roger Mukasa and Kenya were suddenly looking good.
From then on, it was a fairly regular procession back to the pavilion for the Ugandan batsmen as Odhiambo, Kamande, Varaiya and Obado all chipped in with 2 wickets a piece. Varaiya was Particularly impressive as he also conceded just 9 runs off his 4 overs - his second personal best in as many games. So far he is proving the form player for Kenya in 2010.
Kenya's reply saw a change in the batting line up with Steve Tikolo opening with recalled David Obuya. It proved to be a good decision as the pair raced to 66 before Obuya was out caught by Baig off Arinaitwe for 24. Tikolo continued the onslaught unfazed and was rewarded with his first international 50 at the shortest format of the game. He did later become the second and last Kenyan casualty as he finally holed out to Thawithemwira off Muhumuza, but by then he had made 63 off just 44 deliveries and Kenya were as good as home.
Maurice Ouma came in to join Alex Obanda who was en route to a personal best of his own with 31 off 24 deliveries including the winning runs which came as he dispatched Muhumuza to the boundary with 16 balls still remaining. It was a convincing and emphatic victory for a side that lost their last 20-20 series to Uganda 3-0 and will have injected some much needed confidence into the side after the recent Intercontinental Cup match to Scotland. It also indicates a vast improvement at this format which bodes well ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in February.
Kenya 127/2 (Tikolo 63, Obanda 31*)
beat
Uganda 123/9 (Baig 23, Mukasa 23, Varaiya 2/9, Kamande 2/18)
by 8 wickets
Monday, January 25, 2010
Big game for Kenya starts today
Kenya take on Scotland from today at Nairobi Gymkhana in what has become a must win match for the home side if they are to stay in contention for a finals spot come the end of the competition. Yesterday Afghanistan defeated Ireland – their first loss in the tournament since 2004 – to go top of the table with 43 points and Kenya must look to take a full 20 points to match this having already played one extra game.
Rain has hampered preparations for Maurice Ouma’s men, but they will still take the home ground advantage into the match and on balance will be the more experienced of the two sides that take the field. An exception to this, and it could be a telling one, is in the seam bowl department where for the first time in many years, Kenya will be without either Thomas Odoyo (injured) and Peter Ongondo (left out of the squad).
This leaves the seam responsibilities to Alfred Luseno, Elijah Otieno and Nehemiah Odhiambo. It is certainly an attack that has shown improvement over the last 12 months and especially since new coach Eldine Baptiste took the reigns, but will it have the experience to knock over the Scottish top order? Should they fail to do so, at least there is plenty of experience and quality in the spin attack that should feature all of Hiren Varaiya, Jimmy Kamande and Steve Tikolo, though youngster James Ngoche may also get a surprise cap.
With the bat, Kenya should have the quality to post big scores on a ground the batsmen are used to playing on. Seren Waters, David Obuya, Rakep Patel and Alex Obanda will all feel they have things to prove while Steve Tikolo has shown time and again he remains a star batsman.
Scotland come into the game with a relatively inexperienced side, several of whom have not yet played in Kenya so the home side will be hoping to turn this to their advantage and put on early pressure. While they do not have the experience, there is no doubting the quality in the Scotland camp and they too will start today looking for a win. Majid Haq, Kyle Coetzer and Qasim Sheikh are all potential match winners on their day and Scotland too have high aspirations this year in a competition they last won in 2004.
Weather permitting, it should turn out to be a great match. There has been some build up among Kenyan cricket fans and despite the match happening on work days – why they could not have scheduled the start for a Sunday, only the ICC know – there should be a few supporters at the ground to cheer their team on. Here’s hoping that 2010 gets off to a better start for Kenyan cricket the previous year…
Rain has hampered preparations for Maurice Ouma’s men, but they will still take the home ground advantage into the match and on balance will be the more experienced of the two sides that take the field. An exception to this, and it could be a telling one, is in the seam bowl department where for the first time in many years, Kenya will be without either Thomas Odoyo (injured) and Peter Ongondo (left out of the squad).
This leaves the seam responsibilities to Alfred Luseno, Elijah Otieno and Nehemiah Odhiambo. It is certainly an attack that has shown improvement over the last 12 months and especially since new coach Eldine Baptiste took the reigns, but will it have the experience to knock over the Scottish top order? Should they fail to do so, at least there is plenty of experience and quality in the spin attack that should feature all of Hiren Varaiya, Jimmy Kamande and Steve Tikolo, though youngster James Ngoche may also get a surprise cap.
With the bat, Kenya should have the quality to post big scores on a ground the batsmen are used to playing on. Seren Waters, David Obuya, Rakep Patel and Alex Obanda will all feel they have things to prove while Steve Tikolo has shown time and again he remains a star batsman.
Scotland come into the game with a relatively inexperienced side, several of whom have not yet played in Kenya so the home side will be hoping to turn this to their advantage and put on early pressure. While they do not have the experience, there is no doubting the quality in the Scotland camp and they too will start today looking for a win. Majid Haq, Kyle Coetzer and Qasim Sheikh are all potential match winners on their day and Scotland too have high aspirations this year in a competition they last won in 2004.
Weather permitting, it should turn out to be a great match. There has been some build up among Kenyan cricket fans and despite the match happening on work days – why they could not have scheduled the start for a Sunday, only the ICC know – there should be a few supporters at the ground to cheer their team on. Here’s hoping that 2010 gets off to a better start for Kenyan cricket the previous year…
Monday, December 21, 2009
Kenya end year on a high
a markedly improved batting performance by Kenya in their final ODI v Uganda saw the team cruise to a massive 199 run victory to complete a 3-0 series whitewash and end the year on a high.
Maurice Ouma (72) and Seren Waters (55) opened the batting and gave Kenya an opening stand of 118 before Waters was finally trapped lbw by Henry Seyondo. Ouma then teamed up with Alex Obanda and the pair continued to attack the bowlers marching the score to 175. Obanda followed 20 runs later for a well made 57 with 10 overs to go but the platform had already been set.
David Obuya (23 off 18) and Rakep Patel (right) had both been moved down the order and responded in explosive fashion. Patel was particularly impressive smashing 71 off just 29 deliveries including 3 fours and 8 sixes! Run-a-ball cameo contributions from Nehemiah Odhiambo, Tony Suji and Elijah Otieno helped Kenya set 329/6 by the end of their 50 overs and with the bowlers so far in great form, the match already looked half won.
The first ball of Uganda's reply compounded matters for them as their best batsman of the tournament so far, Roger Mukasa, edged Odhiambo for Ouma to take the catch and give Kenya the best possible start to their defence. Akbar Baig (23) and Frank Nsubuga (43) added 75 for the second wicket taking a particular liking to Otieno, but the introduction of James Ngoche soon had both players back in the pavilion and Kenya once again looking strong.
Wickets then began to fall at regular intervals with only Benjamin Musoke (18) and Jonathan Sebanja (11) able to make it into double figures as the Kenyan bowlers continued their dominance. Hiren Varaiya (3/18 off 10) and James Ngoche (3/27 off 10) finished with the best figures, but Nehemiah Odhiambo (2/23) and Nelson Odhiambo (2/15) also contributed to an emphatic victory.
Having won the series 3-0 and with 2 huge margins in the first and last games, Kenya will feel that they have atoned for the 2-0 loss in the 20-20s. Work still remains to be done on the shorter format of the game, that is clear, but at least at ODI level, there is still some breathing space between them and their fast improving neighbour. Unless the development work by Cricket Kenya kicks up a further gear in 2010, the question will still remain for how much longer?
What is extremely positive from this series is to see the bulk of the youngsters in the team standing up and performing. Lucas Oluoch was impressive in both games he played and Rakep Patel continues to gain in confidence. Shem Obado and James Otieno Ngoche both took wickets and Nelson Odhiambo also showed an inkling of what he may be able to achieve. When he took over, coach Eldine Baptise warned the established players that there would be no sacred cows in the team, with the performances of the youngsters this series, there is certainly genuine debate now over several places in the squad and this competition can only lead to a stronger side. Questions still remain over some of the batting, but on the whole the future is beginning to look much brighter than it was a year ago.
Kenya 329/6 (Ouma 72, Patel 71, Obanda 57, Waters 55, Waiswa 2/58)
beat
Uganda 130 (Nsubuga 43, Baig 28, Varaiya 3/18, J Otieno 3/27, Nel Odhiambo 2/15, Neh Odhiambo 2/23)
by 199 runs
Kenya win series 3-0
Sunday, December 20, 2009
2-0 but Batting problems persist
Kenya yesterday went 2-0 up in their ODI series with Uganda beating them by 1 wicket at Nairobi Gymkhana.
Winning the toss, Kenya elected to field and once again the opening attack of Alfred Luseno and Lucas Oluoch were key to Kenya gaining an early upper hand. Unlike the first game however, Uganda started brightly with Roger Mukasa (27) and Akbar Baig (18) putting on a brisk 34 before Luseno got the breakthrough clean bowling Mukasa.
Three overs later Oluoch got into the act removing number 3, Lawrence Sematimba without scoring. Baig followed shortly after trapped lbw by the left-hander and Uganda were in trouble at 3/48. A brief rally followed with Fred Isabirye (15) and Benjamin Musoke (16) adding 18 for the next wicket, but the run rate was slowing and Varaiya ended the partnership trapping Isabirye in front. Luseno picked up his second 1 run later when Henry Senyondo had his house knocked over and again Uganda were in trouble: 5/67 after 18 overs.
Musoke then found support in Arthur Ziraba (20) and Uganda recovered somewhat before Varaiya bowled Musoke (6/95). Ziraba was next back to the pavilion, run out by Jimmy Kamande (7/106) and the end was looming for the visitors. Kamande was the next to strike for Kenya as Frank Nsubuga departed lbw for 3 (8/113) but Ronald Semanda (20) stuck around long enough to help Uganda to 126 before he was last man out, bowled by Nehemiah Odhiambo who two overs earlier had run out Seiga Asadu.
All of the Kenyan bowlers impressed and while their economy rates were not quite as good as in the first ODI, Kenya would have gone into the break confident of another easy victory, especially considering the batting line up looked much stronger with the addition of Seren Waters and Alex Obanda.
If they thought it was to be a walk in the park, they were sorely disappointed as Uganda refused to go down without a fight and, just as in the first match, struck early when Waters was caught by Ziraba off the bowling of Jonathan Sebanja for a duck. David Obuya remained unfazed and appeared set on erasing his poor showing in the first game by racing to 24 off just 20 deliveries, but that was where his innings ended as he fell to Baig, caught by Nsubuga (2-30).
Rakep Patel had looked unstoppable in the first ODI, but he too fell after getting a start, lbw to Seyondo for 17 (3/56). Kenya then staged one of their by now famous collapses as alex Obanda (14), Maurice Ouma (7), Jimmy Kamande (5) and Shem Obado (0) all fell in quick succession to give Uganda the hope of victory with the score at 7/77.
Nehemiah Odhiambo (25) and Hiren Varaiya (14*) stuck to their guns however and pulled Kenya back to relative safety with a 33 run partnership before Baig had Odhiambo caught and bowled with Kenya still needing 17 for victory. When Nsubuga trapped Oluoch lbw 3 overs later, Kenya were still 11 runs short and Uganda could once again scent victory. Varaiya however stood firm with last man Luseno and it was the latter that saw Kenya home with a 4 to give the home side a nail biting victory.
At the end of the day Kenya won and take the series 2-0 with a game still to play, but this match must serve once again as a warning that Uganda are not to be taken lightly and that Kenya need to apply themselves better when at the crease. No disrespect to Uganda, but a stronger team would have made Kenya pay dearly for their mistakes. The final match of the series will be played today at Nairobi Gymkhana and Kenya need to once again win big if they want to avoid questions being asked as to why a weakened Uganda side has been so competitive against a Kenyan side that certainly looks very like it could be a future full strength side.
Uganda 126 (Mukasa 26, Semanda 21, Ziraba 20, Varaiya 2/17, Oluoch 2/24, Luseno 2/29)
lose to
Kenya 129/9 (Neh Odhiambo 25, D Obuya 24, Asadu 3/25)
by 1 wicket
Kenya lead 3 match series 2-0
Winning the toss, Kenya elected to field and once again the opening attack of Alfred Luseno and Lucas Oluoch were key to Kenya gaining an early upper hand. Unlike the first game however, Uganda started brightly with Roger Mukasa (27) and Akbar Baig (18) putting on a brisk 34 before Luseno got the breakthrough clean bowling Mukasa.
Three overs later Oluoch got into the act removing number 3, Lawrence Sematimba without scoring. Baig followed shortly after trapped lbw by the left-hander and Uganda were in trouble at 3/48. A brief rally followed with Fred Isabirye (15) and Benjamin Musoke (16) adding 18 for the next wicket, but the run rate was slowing and Varaiya ended the partnership trapping Isabirye in front. Luseno picked up his second 1 run later when Henry Senyondo had his house knocked over and again Uganda were in trouble: 5/67 after 18 overs.
Musoke then found support in Arthur Ziraba (20) and Uganda recovered somewhat before Varaiya bowled Musoke (6/95). Ziraba was next back to the pavilion, run out by Jimmy Kamande (7/106) and the end was looming for the visitors. Kamande was the next to strike for Kenya as Frank Nsubuga departed lbw for 3 (8/113) but Ronald Semanda (20) stuck around long enough to help Uganda to 126 before he was last man out, bowled by Nehemiah Odhiambo who two overs earlier had run out Seiga Asadu.
All of the Kenyan bowlers impressed and while their economy rates were not quite as good as in the first ODI, Kenya would have gone into the break confident of another easy victory, especially considering the batting line up looked much stronger with the addition of Seren Waters and Alex Obanda.
If they thought it was to be a walk in the park, they were sorely disappointed as Uganda refused to go down without a fight and, just as in the first match, struck early when Waters was caught by Ziraba off the bowling of Jonathan Sebanja for a duck. David Obuya remained unfazed and appeared set on erasing his poor showing in the first game by racing to 24 off just 20 deliveries, but that was where his innings ended as he fell to Baig, caught by Nsubuga (2-30).
Rakep Patel had looked unstoppable in the first ODI, but he too fell after getting a start, lbw to Seyondo for 17 (3/56). Kenya then staged one of their by now famous collapses as alex Obanda (14), Maurice Ouma (7), Jimmy Kamande (5) and Shem Obado (0) all fell in quick succession to give Uganda the hope of victory with the score at 7/77.
Nehemiah Odhiambo (25) and Hiren Varaiya (14*) stuck to their guns however and pulled Kenya back to relative safety with a 33 run partnership before Baig had Odhiambo caught and bowled with Kenya still needing 17 for victory. When Nsubuga trapped Oluoch lbw 3 overs later, Kenya were still 11 runs short and Uganda could once again scent victory. Varaiya however stood firm with last man Luseno and it was the latter that saw Kenya home with a 4 to give the home side a nail biting victory.
At the end of the day Kenya won and take the series 2-0 with a game still to play, but this match must serve once again as a warning that Uganda are not to be taken lightly and that Kenya need to apply themselves better when at the crease. No disrespect to Uganda, but a stronger team would have made Kenya pay dearly for their mistakes. The final match of the series will be played today at Nairobi Gymkhana and Kenya need to once again win big if they want to avoid questions being asked as to why a weakened Uganda side has been so competitive against a Kenyan side that certainly looks very like it could be a future full strength side.
Uganda 126 (Mukasa 26, Semanda 21, Ziraba 20, Varaiya 2/17, Oluoch 2/24, Luseno 2/29)
lose to
Kenya 129/9 (Neh Odhiambo 25, D Obuya 24, Asadu 3/25)
by 1 wicket
Kenya lead 3 match series 2-0
Friday, December 18, 2009
Kenya turn tables on Uganda
Kenya yesterday displayed the dominance that was so badly lacking against the Ugandans during the 20-20 series. They not only won the first ODI but did so in emphatic fashion - first by bowling Uganda out for a mere 104 (which took 44 overs to accumulate) and then knocking off the required runs in well under 20 overs for the loss of just one wicket.
Kenya won the toss and Alfred Luseno and Lucas Oluoch (pictured right in the nets in 2008) opened the bowling giving the Ugandans a torrid time. Luseno proved virtually unplayable with the batsmen only able to score 7 runs off his 7 overs. While he did not pick up any wickets himself, good seamers hunt in pairs and the pressure certainly paid off at the other end as debutante Oluoch took the first three wickets to have Uganda reeling at 3/24 after 14 overs to finish with figures of 3/23. A fine effort for his first 50 over game in Kenyan colours.
Kenya have recently had a history of allowing teams off the hook, but yesterday was different as first Nehemiah Odhiambo (1/10 off 6) then Jimmy Kamande (1/24 off 7) and Hiren Varaiya (1/9 off 8) continued to apply the pressure. Where Oluoch had announced himself at the beginning of the innings, it was another debutante - Shem Obado who finished off the innings taking 3/10 including the wicket of Benjamin Musoke (27), the only Ugandan able to get some sort of a start.
All in all it was a fantastic effort by the bowlers and one that certainly lends support to coach Eldine Baptiste's desire to include the youngsters in the squad. Unlike the 20-20s, Kenya's batsmen were able to back up the bowlers and bar an early scare when Charles Waiswa had David Obuya trapped in front for a duck, they put the bowlers to the sword. Rakep Patel (57* off 59) moved up to open with Obuya and so narrowly beat Maurice Ouma (44* off 41) to his half century.
Kenya went on to win the match in just 17.2 overs with a score of 105/9. This is strangely one run higher than their best effort in the 20-20s, yet came from fewer overs faced. Why they were able to produce the application for this in the ODI yet fail to do so in the 20-20 is surely food for serious thought for the coach before the World Cup qualifiers in the New Year.
All in all though this was as good a performance as Kenya have produced in some time and they can go into the remaining games of the series once more confident in their ability. Fans will be hoping however that confidence does not too soon become complacency.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Second Uganda win gives them series 2-0
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)
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)
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
First Blood to Uganda
Bad news for Kenya as Uganda take the first 20-20 game in Nairobi. Uganda won the toss and elected to field and that pretty much set the tone for the rest of the game.
David Obuya opening with Maurice Ouma was the first casualty falling with only 11 on the scorecard and Uganda kept up the pressure and were rewarded with regular wickets. Once again Kenya's batting frailties came to the fore with only Ouma (26), Nehemiah Odhiambo (26) and the new cap Shem Obado (11) making it into double figures as Kenya stumbled to 88 all out in 19.4 overs.
Frank Nsubuga was the toast of the Ugandan bowling taking 3 wickets for just 8 runs while Seiga Asadu and Henry Senyondo each picked up a brace.
Roger Mukasa started the chase with a flurry scoring 25 off 19 deliveries before Hiren Varaiya had him caught by Nehemiah Odhiambo. Varaiya was the best of the Kenyan bowlers taking 2/14 and though Elijah Otieno, Lameck Onyango and Obado all chipped in with a wicket each, Uganda survived the pressure and went on to what amounted to a fairly comfortable win with 4 wickets and an over and a half in hand.
Kenya will be smarting at this defeat at the hands of neighbours who grow in confidence with every outing. Every time Uganda gets a win over Kenya it should send warning bells ringing loud in the Cricket Kenya offices. To Kenyan supporters this series should be underlining our superiority, not how narrow the gap has now become.
Hopefully the second game today will see a better outcome.
Kenya 88 (Ouma 26, Neh Odhiambo 26, Nsubuga 3/8) lost to
Uganda 89/6 (Mukasa 25, Varaiya 2/15) by 4 wickets
Uganda lead the 2 match series 1-0
David Obuya opening with Maurice Ouma was the first casualty falling with only 11 on the scorecard and Uganda kept up the pressure and were rewarded with regular wickets. Once again Kenya's batting frailties came to the fore with only Ouma (26), Nehemiah Odhiambo (26) and the new cap Shem Obado (11) making it into double figures as Kenya stumbled to 88 all out in 19.4 overs.
Frank Nsubuga was the toast of the Ugandan bowling taking 3 wickets for just 8 runs while Seiga Asadu and Henry Senyondo each picked up a brace.
Roger Mukasa started the chase with a flurry scoring 25 off 19 deliveries before Hiren Varaiya had him caught by Nehemiah Odhiambo. Varaiya was the best of the Kenyan bowlers taking 2/14 and though Elijah Otieno, Lameck Onyango and Obado all chipped in with a wicket each, Uganda survived the pressure and went on to what amounted to a fairly comfortable win with 4 wickets and an over and a half in hand.
Kenya will be smarting at this defeat at the hands of neighbours who grow in confidence with every outing. Every time Uganda gets a win over Kenya it should send warning bells ringing loud in the Cricket Kenya offices. To Kenyan supporters this series should be underlining our superiority, not how narrow the gap has now become.
Hopefully the second game today will see a better outcome.
Kenya 88 (Ouma 26, Neh Odhiambo 26, Nsubuga 3/8) lost to
Uganda 89/6 (Mukasa 25, Varaiya 2/15) by 4 wickets
Uganda lead the 2 match series 1-0
Monday, October 19, 2009
Perspective on Kenya's tour to Zimbabwe
Today, Kenya return from Zimbabwe, having lost their Intercontinental Cup match against Zimbabwe 'A' by five wickets and the ODI series against Zimbabwe by one game to four.
But how different might it have been if the Kenyans had been able to build on the day when, in reply to Kenya's 333 all out, they had Zimbabwe 'A' at 178 for 7. But for Vusi Sibanda's double-century, which took his side to 352, how different might it have been?
A victory in the 'A' game would have provided just the impetus needed for the ODIs; yet it was only in the third game, won by Kenya by 20 runs, that the East Africans took the game by the scruff of the neck. It was then so utterly disappointing that in the fourth game Kenya, having scored a challenging-looking 270 for 8, allowed Zimbabwe to run away to a six-wicket victory with two overs to spare; and then, in the final match, to be hammered by an enormous number of runs.
The plus point of the tour, however, must be the regeneration of Zimbabwe. Sibanda 's splendid innings, Hamilton Masakadza's imposing batting, and the re-emergence of Stuart Matsikenyeri as a powerful lower-order player are all good for the game; and all credit must be given to Kenya for visiting that benighted land.
Kenya, not totally outplayed, will see this tour as a prospectus for the future, so that now, if Scotland is to come to Kenya for an Intercontinental Cup fixture and a series of ODIs in January, that will fill a very good gap in the schedules - as neither side is going to the Under-19 world cup finals in New Zealand -and is likely to prove useful to both sides in what should be a very exciting rubber.
The green shoots are there, and Eldine Baptiste's hand on the tiller can already be detected. Let's just hope that the 2010s will prove 'anni mirabiles' and will bring for Kenya a joyful restoration and return to the great days of the 1990s.
- Topspinner
But how different might it have been if the Kenyans had been able to build on the day when, in reply to Kenya's 333 all out, they had Zimbabwe 'A' at 178 for 7. But for Vusi Sibanda's double-century, which took his side to 352, how different might it have been?
A victory in the 'A' game would have provided just the impetus needed for the ODIs; yet it was only in the third game, won by Kenya by 20 runs, that the East Africans took the game by the scruff of the neck. It was then so utterly disappointing that in the fourth game Kenya, having scored a challenging-looking 270 for 8, allowed Zimbabwe to run away to a six-wicket victory with two overs to spare; and then, in the final match, to be hammered by an enormous number of runs.
The plus point of the tour, however, must be the regeneration of Zimbabwe. Sibanda 's splendid innings, Hamilton Masakadza's imposing batting, and the re-emergence of Stuart Matsikenyeri as a powerful lower-order player are all good for the game; and all credit must be given to Kenya for visiting that benighted land.
Kenya, not totally outplayed, will see this tour as a prospectus for the future, so that now, if Scotland is to come to Kenya for an Intercontinental Cup fixture and a series of ODIs in January, that will fill a very good gap in the schedules - as neither side is going to the Under-19 world cup finals in New Zealand -and is likely to prove useful to both sides in what should be a very exciting rubber.
The green shoots are there, and Eldine Baptiste's hand on the tiller can already be detected. Let's just hope that the 2010s will prove 'anni mirabiles' and will bring for Kenya a joyful restoration and return to the great days of the 1990s.
- Topspinner
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sweet, Sweet Victory
Kenya bounced back yesterday in the 3rd ODI v Zimbabwe to win by 20 runs and keep alive a series that had threatened to become embarrassing. For the first time on the tour, Maurice Ouma won the toss and not surprisingly opted to bat. Kenya were once again in experimental mode with both batting order and line up and this time found some things that worked.
Alex Obanda who had so far looked uncomfortable at 3 in the earlier games this time opened with the in form David Obuya and it proved to be a perfect combination. They got Kenya off to a rollicking start both bringing up their half centuries in an opening stand of 119 before Obuya (56) fell to the medium pace of Masakadza. From a position of domination, Kenya then proceeded to let Zimbabwe back into the game as Tikolo (1) and Obanda (65) both followed shortly after.
with new batsmen at the crease, Kenya now found the going much tougher and though Patel (20) and Ouma (17) both got starts, it looked like Kenya were going to throw away their advantage completely. This feeling was only compounded by the run out of Kamande (5) which left Kenya reeling at 185/6 after 38.4 overs. Considering Kenya had at one stage been 115/0 after 19 overs, Zimbabwe would have been very happy with their comeback.
Just when things were looking their gloomiest for Kenya however enter Thomas Odoyo and Collins Obuya. The pair waited until the 40 over mark and then launched a vicious attack on the Zimbabwe bowling with Odoyo particularly brutal in his 28 off 22 deliveries. He did then come unstuck to a return catch to Ray Price, probably the pick of the Zimbabwean bowling, but he had given the inning enough impetus to allow Collins Obuya to fire through to the end to finish on 52 off 63 deliveries though the last half of those runs came at well over a run a ball. Obuya was run out on the final delivery as he put team ahead of statistics in a bid for one more run. Thanks to the fine efforts at the beginning and end of the Kenyan innings, they finished on 266/9 and would have gone into the break confident of a maiden victory on the tour.
Zimbabwe started their chase in familiar fashion plundering 15 runs of the first 2 overs before Odoyo struck twice to have both Vermeulen (lbw for 6) and Coventry (bowled for 1) back in the pavilion and Kenya right back in the driving seat. Unsurprisingly this did not seem to deter the form player of the tournament so far, Hamilton Masakadza who promptly took 3 boundaries of Odoyo's next over. A double bowling change had the desired effect for Kenya however as Kamande went for 1 in his first over and Nemiah Odhiambo had Masakadza caught by David Obuya for a run-a-ball 44. It was a vital wicket for Kenya and with the required run rate slowly climbing they should have already scented victory.
Again however Zimbabwe contrived to get out of jail with a watchful and responsible partnership between Brendan Taylor (91) and Stuart Matsikenyeri (58). The pair put on 142 for the 4th wicket and though the run rate required continued to inch its way over 6 an over, Zimbabwe still looked as though they had done the Houdini with about 10 overs to go. Just as they were looking comfortable, Hiren Varaiya did what he so often does for Kenya and took 2 quick wickets. Both were bowled and both were the settled batsmen, first Matsikenyeri then in his next over, Taylor. Suddenly it was Kenya back on top and Zimbabwe who had the jitters.
Having done the damage, Varaiya was then pulled from the attack with the remaining six overs shared out between Odoyo and Odhiambo and it was the latter who came up trumps taking 3 more wickets to finish with his first ever 4 wicket haul in ODI cricket. Without Sean Williams, unable to bat due to injury, Zimbabwe lost their final wicket with the penultimate ball of the match but by then the result was academic anyhow. Kenya had held on to a vital and morale boosting win. what was even more satisfying for the visitors was that this win still came with so many of the players not yet playing to their potential. So far this series has seen them improve every match and they will now go into the remaining two games confident that they can not only compete with their hosts but beat them as well.
One final point to ponder: so far in the three ODIs, Kenya have conceded a total of just 20 extras. Zimbabwe have conceded 51. Perhaps already a sign of a tighter ship under the new coach?
Alex Obanda who had so far looked uncomfortable at 3 in the earlier games this time opened with the in form David Obuya and it proved to be a perfect combination. They got Kenya off to a rollicking start both bringing up their half centuries in an opening stand of 119 before Obuya (56) fell to the medium pace of Masakadza. From a position of domination, Kenya then proceeded to let Zimbabwe back into the game as Tikolo (1) and Obanda (65) both followed shortly after.
with new batsmen at the crease, Kenya now found the going much tougher and though Patel (20) and Ouma (17) both got starts, it looked like Kenya were going to throw away their advantage completely. This feeling was only compounded by the run out of Kamande (5) which left Kenya reeling at 185/6 after 38.4 overs. Considering Kenya had at one stage been 115/0 after 19 overs, Zimbabwe would have been very happy with their comeback.
Just when things were looking their gloomiest for Kenya however enter Thomas Odoyo and Collins Obuya. The pair waited until the 40 over mark and then launched a vicious attack on the Zimbabwe bowling with Odoyo particularly brutal in his 28 off 22 deliveries. He did then come unstuck to a return catch to Ray Price, probably the pick of the Zimbabwean bowling, but he had given the inning enough impetus to allow Collins Obuya to fire through to the end to finish on 52 off 63 deliveries though the last half of those runs came at well over a run a ball. Obuya was run out on the final delivery as he put team ahead of statistics in a bid for one more run. Thanks to the fine efforts at the beginning and end of the Kenyan innings, they finished on 266/9 and would have gone into the break confident of a maiden victory on the tour.
Zimbabwe started their chase in familiar fashion plundering 15 runs of the first 2 overs before Odoyo struck twice to have both Vermeulen (lbw for 6) and Coventry (bowled for 1) back in the pavilion and Kenya right back in the driving seat. Unsurprisingly this did not seem to deter the form player of the tournament so far, Hamilton Masakadza who promptly took 3 boundaries of Odoyo's next over. A double bowling change had the desired effect for Kenya however as Kamande went for 1 in his first over and Nemiah Odhiambo had Masakadza caught by David Obuya for a run-a-ball 44. It was a vital wicket for Kenya and with the required run rate slowly climbing they should have already scented victory.
Again however Zimbabwe contrived to get out of jail with a watchful and responsible partnership between Brendan Taylor (91) and Stuart Matsikenyeri (58). The pair put on 142 for the 4th wicket and though the run rate required continued to inch its way over 6 an over, Zimbabwe still looked as though they had done the Houdini with about 10 overs to go. Just as they were looking comfortable, Hiren Varaiya did what he so often does for Kenya and took 2 quick wickets. Both were bowled and both were the settled batsmen, first Matsikenyeri then in his next over, Taylor. Suddenly it was Kenya back on top and Zimbabwe who had the jitters.
Having done the damage, Varaiya was then pulled from the attack with the remaining six overs shared out between Odoyo and Odhiambo and it was the latter who came up trumps taking 3 more wickets to finish with his first ever 4 wicket haul in ODI cricket. Without Sean Williams, unable to bat due to injury, Zimbabwe lost their final wicket with the penultimate ball of the match but by then the result was academic anyhow. Kenya had held on to a vital and morale boosting win. what was even more satisfying for the visitors was that this win still came with so many of the players not yet playing to their potential. So far this series has seen them improve every match and they will now go into the remaining two games confident that they can not only compete with their hosts but beat them as well.
One final point to ponder: so far in the three ODIs, Kenya have conceded a total of just 20 extras. Zimbabwe have conceded 51. Perhaps already a sign of a tighter ship under the new coach?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
One that got away
If the first ODI was frustrating for Kenyan fans because Kenya seemed to be totally outplayed from the start, the second was more so because they seemed to contrive to lose a game that should have been won.
Once again Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat with Hamilton Masakadza once again in blistering form. This time however, Kenya's bowlers kept a much tighter reign and even though Masakadza made 66, he was not able either to score at the pace of the first game, now go on to convert it to a big hundred. Perhaps the difference in the team was the inclusion of Hiren Varaiya who came into the side for an unlucky Jimmy Kamande. Quite how the most economical bowler from the first game gets left out when Onyango who made a record for runs conceded was retained bamboozled not a few fans.
Varaiya was certainly the standout for Kenya taking 3/38 off his ten overs, but Tikolo 2/38 off 10 also impressed as did the third spinner used, Rakep Patel - no wickets perhaps, but 4 useful overs that went for just 18. While the spinners took the glory, much work had earlier been done by Peter Ongondo and surprisingly after the first game, Lameck Onyango. Both kept a tight line and prevented the Zimbabweans from scoring freely, no doubt contributing to the steady wickets that fell once the initial partnership had been broken. Nehemiah Odhiambo was more expensive, but still picked up 2 vital wickets and had Kenya not once more allowed an unbeaten 65 run stand between Matsikenyeri (77*) and Cremer (31* off 19), Zimbabwe should have been restricted to under 250. As it was, they still only posted 263 and this should have been a target to have Kenya pressing for a win.
David Obuya certainly made his intentions clear scoring freely at a run a ball and had he recieved better support from those around him both he and the cause would have fared better. Instead the other top order batsmen seemed to find it as hard to score as he found it easy and as a result the pressure built and wickets fell. Obuya in the end came unstuck on 49, but his innings alone deserved mention for trying to keep Kenya in the match.
From Zimbabwe's point of view, it was the spinners who did the damage. Cremer rightfully walked away with man of the match for his 6/46 but it was Utseya who introduced himself first and really began to take the game away from the Kenyans. Perhaps Kenya need to think on reintroducing Kamande for one of the seamers, most likely Otieno for the next game. While on the subject, the express pace of Luseno should also get a chance on this tour otherwise there is little reason for him to travel.
Little more can be said really. This was a game Kenya could and should have won. there is now a day's break before the 3rd game of the series and Kenya will need to regroup fast to avoid going 3-0 down. There is no doubt that the talent is there in this side to upset Zimbabwe. Individual performances have promised that but then foundered due to lack of support and perhaps self belief. Kenya must learn to go for the kill when there is a sniff of victory and they must learn to believe in themselves and the prospect of victory.
Once again Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat with Hamilton Masakadza once again in blistering form. This time however, Kenya's bowlers kept a much tighter reign and even though Masakadza made 66, he was not able either to score at the pace of the first game, now go on to convert it to a big hundred. Perhaps the difference in the team was the inclusion of Hiren Varaiya who came into the side for an unlucky Jimmy Kamande. Quite how the most economical bowler from the first game gets left out when Onyango who made a record for runs conceded was retained bamboozled not a few fans.
Varaiya was certainly the standout for Kenya taking 3/38 off his ten overs, but Tikolo 2/38 off 10 also impressed as did the third spinner used, Rakep Patel - no wickets perhaps, but 4 useful overs that went for just 18. While the spinners took the glory, much work had earlier been done by Peter Ongondo and surprisingly after the first game, Lameck Onyango. Both kept a tight line and prevented the Zimbabweans from scoring freely, no doubt contributing to the steady wickets that fell once the initial partnership had been broken. Nehemiah Odhiambo was more expensive, but still picked up 2 vital wickets and had Kenya not once more allowed an unbeaten 65 run stand between Matsikenyeri (77*) and Cremer (31* off 19), Zimbabwe should have been restricted to under 250. As it was, they still only posted 263 and this should have been a target to have Kenya pressing for a win.
David Obuya certainly made his intentions clear scoring freely at a run a ball and had he recieved better support from those around him both he and the cause would have fared better. Instead the other top order batsmen seemed to find it as hard to score as he found it easy and as a result the pressure built and wickets fell. Obuya in the end came unstuck on 49, but his innings alone deserved mention for trying to keep Kenya in the match.
From Zimbabwe's point of view, it was the spinners who did the damage. Cremer rightfully walked away with man of the match for his 6/46 but it was Utseya who introduced himself first and really began to take the game away from the Kenyans. Perhaps Kenya need to think on reintroducing Kamande for one of the seamers, most likely Otieno for the next game. While on the subject, the express pace of Luseno should also get a chance on this tour otherwise there is little reason for him to travel.
Little more can be said really. This was a game Kenya could and should have won. there is now a day's break before the 3rd game of the series and Kenya will need to regroup fast to avoid going 3-0 down. There is no doubt that the talent is there in this side to upset Zimbabwe. Individual performances have promised that but then foundered due to lack of support and perhaps self belief. Kenya must learn to go for the kill when there is a sniff of victory and they must learn to believe in themselves and the prospect of victory.
Monday, July 06, 2009
GAME COULD BE KENYA'S - IF THEY TAKE THEIR CHANCES
My apologies for the lateness of this post. Topspinner writes from Eglinton with the report from day 3 of Kenya's Intercontinental Cup match vs Ireland:THE game was on a knife-edge as play began today on the final day of the Intercontinental Cup match between Ireland and Kenya at Eglinton, Northern Ireland.
Ireland yesterday (Sun) seized six points through a first innings lead of 73 after Kenya's last four wickets added 92 to their Saturday overnight score of 239 for 6, thereby avoiding the follow-on.
Vice-captain Jimmy Kamande batted sensibly to make 73 and some lusty blows allowed Peter Ongondo to register a valuable 24 not out. Former vice-captain Thomas Odoyo made 46 well-worked runs before a blow to the elbow pulled him up short, while Nehemiah Odhiambo made 14 and Elijah Otieno was out for two.
Kenya appeared pleased to have restricted Ireland to a 73-run lead in this high-scoring match and this showed, particularly in the six overs they bowled up to lunch. Odoyo and Ondongo both showed venom, but it was former captain Steve Tikolo who snapped up first innings century-maker Paul Stirling for six just before the break, to have Ireland in some jitters on 6 for 1 off six overs at lunch. These jitters continued afterwards and from 25 overs Ireland appeared to be in some trouble at 45 for 3.
But then a series of catches went down - two difficult, two less so - and had it not been for a sharp take behind by captain and wicketkeeper Morris Ouma off Odhiambo on 89 to get rid of the dangerous kevin O'Brien for 21 the match would certainly have been running away from Kenya. As it was, a further 50 without loss were added to the Ireland total, with a half-century from Alex Cusack, before stumps, leaving Ireland 212 ahead.
Ireland go into today's final day feelimng they can win; but this newly-led and invigorated Kenya side is full of spirit and they know that, if they can bag a couple of early wickets, the game could be theirs.
'Topspinner'.
Photo - Maurice Ouma seems to be making a good start as Kenyan Captain. courtesy of Cricket Europe
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
The most important day this year
April Fool's day? well for some, perhaps. No - today sees the start of the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa and in both groups the top 2 seeds meet each other in the first matches. Cricket Europe are providing great live coverage and previews, so I will concentrate on the Kenyan perspective.
While the title of this article may sound dramatic, in terms of cricket it is very much accurate. Should Kenya beat The Netherlands today, they will have made a huge step towards the Super 8 stage and as both teams should go through, the winner will carry over the points earned from this match, something that could be vital in terms of securing that final 4 position and hence a place in the 2011 World Cup. Failure today certainly does not mean the end of the road for either side, but it will dampen morale and make the rest of the job that much harder.
Both sides come into the game on highs after winning their last two warm up games, the most recent against other sides competing in this tournament, and both sides have spent plenty of time in South Africa to acclimatise. Kenya have 2 injury worries with Kennedy Obuya nursing a thumb injury picked up in the win over Scotland, while Alex Obanda has a back injury, so has missed the warm up games, but is expected to be fit to play.
If Obuya cannot pass a late fitness test, the opening pair will almost certainly be Maurice Ouma and Seren Waters. Should he be fit, then either of those players will probably drop down the order. Obanda should bat 3 and Tikolo (who will also bowl his off spin)will be at 4. Thomas Odoyo has been patchy with the bat, but will probably retain 6th spot after whichever of Ouma and Waters has to make way for Obuya. Odoyo will also be Kenya's key player with the ball. Having been used sparingly in the warm up games, he will be expected to step up and bowl a full 10 overs for this game.
7 & 8 will be filled by Collins Obuya and Jimmy Kamande, the latter who will also bowl his off spin for a few overs at least.
Of the bowlers, only Peter Ongondo (who will open the bowling with Odoyo) and Hiren Varaiya (the left arm spinner who has been the form bowler during the warm ups)are the only 2 certain to start. Nehemiah Odhiambo may have done enough with the bat in the last game to earn him a place, but it is hard to see him chosen ahead of his brother Lameck Onyango or youngster Elijah Otieno in terms of bowling which is what should count if only 3 seamers are chosen.
In the warm up games, Kenya have gone in with 4 seamers, but with the Waters/Obuya/Ouma dilemma - all have scored runs and can potentially win matches, it may be the selectors opt for 3 seamers and 3 spinners to do the bowling. If Obuya's thumb rules him out, then expect both Onyango and Odhiambo to play. If not, Onyango will probably be picked as the most dangerous bowler of the 3 possible.
There is no doubt that with talent like Ryan ten Doeschate and Alex Kervezee, the Netherlands are a very able team and Kenya will have their best possible side on the park. Hopefully we will play to potential and be strong enough to open the tournament with a win. GO KENYA!
While the title of this article may sound dramatic, in terms of cricket it is very much accurate. Should Kenya beat The Netherlands today, they will have made a huge step towards the Super 8 stage and as both teams should go through, the winner will carry over the points earned from this match, something that could be vital in terms of securing that final 4 position and hence a place in the 2011 World Cup. Failure today certainly does not mean the end of the road for either side, but it will dampen morale and make the rest of the job that much harder.
Both sides come into the game on highs after winning their last two warm up games, the most recent against other sides competing in this tournament, and both sides have spent plenty of time in South Africa to acclimatise. Kenya have 2 injury worries with Kennedy Obuya nursing a thumb injury picked up in the win over Scotland, while Alex Obanda has a back injury, so has missed the warm up games, but is expected to be fit to play.
If Obuya cannot pass a late fitness test, the opening pair will almost certainly be Maurice Ouma and Seren Waters. Should he be fit, then either of those players will probably drop down the order. Obanda should bat 3 and Tikolo (who will also bowl his off spin)will be at 4. Thomas Odoyo has been patchy with the bat, but will probably retain 6th spot after whichever of Ouma and Waters has to make way for Obuya. Odoyo will also be Kenya's key player with the ball. Having been used sparingly in the warm up games, he will be expected to step up and bowl a full 10 overs for this game.
7 & 8 will be filled by Collins Obuya and Jimmy Kamande, the latter who will also bowl his off spin for a few overs at least.
Of the bowlers, only Peter Ongondo (who will open the bowling with Odoyo) and Hiren Varaiya (the left arm spinner who has been the form bowler during the warm ups)are the only 2 certain to start. Nehemiah Odhiambo may have done enough with the bat in the last game to earn him a place, but it is hard to see him chosen ahead of his brother Lameck Onyango or youngster Elijah Otieno in terms of bowling which is what should count if only 3 seamers are chosen.
In the warm up games, Kenya have gone in with 4 seamers, but with the Waters/Obuya/Ouma dilemma - all have scored runs and can potentially win matches, it may be the selectors opt for 3 seamers and 3 spinners to do the bowling. If Obuya's thumb rules him out, then expect both Onyango and Odhiambo to play. If not, Onyango will probably be picked as the most dangerous bowler of the 3 possible.
There is no doubt that with talent like Ryan ten Doeschate and Alex Kervezee, the Netherlands are a very able team and Kenya will have their best possible side on the park. Hopefully we will play to potential and be strong enough to open the tournament with a win. GO KENYA!
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