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?

Swamibapa consolidate with win over Simba Union

Swamibapa Cricket Club (18 points) outclassed Simba Union(nil point) by 9 wickets yesterday at Premier Club in the ongoing NPCA Super League to consolidate their position at the top of the table. The match which was reduced to 35 overs due to heavy overnight rains was umpired by Subhash modi and Shanti Patel.

Swamibapa Captain Morris Ouma won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that paid dividends as they bowled out Simba Union for only 86 runs in 23.3 overs thanks to fine bowling performances by Elijah Otieno (pictured right in action V Ireland) who took 4 wickets for 19 runs, Nehemaiah Odhiambo (3/17), and James Otieno (3/28).
Simba Union's top scorers were Vijay Jotangia with impressive 28 and Sukbinder Sigh 14.

Swamibapa's opening batsmen Morris Ouma(43 not Out) and francis Otieno(31) put on the match winning first wicket partnership of 84 runs. Swamibapa scored the required runs - 88 for the loss of one wicket.

An incident free match was watched by Kenya's New Cricket Coach,Eldine Baptiste, CEO of Cricket Kenya Tom Tikolo, NPCA Secretary John Moyi and IT Manager of CK(Analysist) Tota Srinivas along other cricketers. Premier Club Groundsmen must be given credit for their hard work by ensuring the game takes place despite wet patches on the pitch and square early in the day.

We are still waiting to hear further results and will update accordingly.

Kenyan win dedicated to Rakep Patel's father

While Kenya's players were quick to celebrate their epic victory over Canada in the Intercontinental Cup they were quicker still to dedicate their voctory to the memory of their team mate's late father. Maurice Ouma, Kenyan Captain put it best in a comment on facebook:

"My first win as captain. The win in the Intercontinental Cup is dedicated to my team mate's dad. Rakep Patel, God be with you in this trying moments and may he bless you and keep you strong."

Other players have expressed similar sentiments and the solidarity of the team in such a tough time has shown through as well as their cricket which was for the most part exceptional.

Right from winning the toss, something Ouma is already becoming a master at, Kenya looked to take charge of the match, though they required the brilliance of Steve Tikolo to get them there.
While other batsmen got starts and then got out in Kenya's first innings, Tikolo was back to his best showing plenty of disdain for Canada's bowlers who found themselves despatched to all parts of the ground. Despite no one else making a half Century, Tikolo's stand was enough to carry Kenya over the 300 mark and give the bowlers plenty of opportunity to do their bit. While they did not make big scores, it should be noted that both Ouma, Alex Obanda and vice-captain, Jimmy Kamande did contribute by way of decent partnerships with Tikolo, something perhaps lost on those who just perused the scorecard at the end of the day's play. Without them there, Tikolo would not have been able to dominate to nearly such a great extent.

Canada's first innings got off to a shaky start due to some excellent new ball bowling from Thomas Odoyo and Nehemiah Odhiambo who both picked up wickets before the close of play on day 1 to leave Canada in trouble at 14-2. Odhiambo, who carried his domestic form into this game, was in particular used well by Ouma who brought him on to break partnerships on several occasions through the game. Picking up 5 wickets for the match he was the most incicive of Kenya's seamers, but Odoyo could feel unlucky for not taking more as he repeatedly beat the bat and tied the Canadian batsmen in Knots. Not content to dominate with the bat, Tikolo added 2 wickets to his match effort along side left arm spinner Hiren Varaiya. 2 players who should also be commended though they did not figure largely in the wicket tallies were Peter Ongondo and Jimmy Kamande. Their spell after tea on day 2 was particularly impressive as they prevented the Canadians from scoring for 9 consecutive overs before the pressure finally told and Ongondo picked up what was to prove his only wicket of the match.

Unlike Canada, Kenya's openers survived their few remaining overs before stumps and Kenya were looking good going into day 3. A brief fightback the following morning saw David Obuya and Alex Obanda quickly back to the pavillion, but that only brought back Tikolo to the crease to join teenage opener Seren Waters. In a partnership not seen by a Kenyan pair for far too long they first rode their luck (both being dropped before they reached their 50s) and then made the hosts pay as they added 330 runs for the third wicket. Tikolo eventually fell for 169, his second 150+ score of the match, the wicket prompting Ouma to declare and once again give the Canadians a horror few overs to face before stumps.

As in their first innings, Odoyo struck early and when the spin of Hiren Varaiya accounted for Jyoti with the score on 56, Canada knew they were going to need to bat well on the final day to hold out for a draw. It was not to be. Once again it was Odoyo that got the early breakthrough on the final morning, but then began the Varaiya show. The left arm spinner has always enjoyed bowling against the Canadians and scythed through their middle order and tail to finish with career best figures of 6-45. Again Odhiambo provided the perfect foil picking up 2 wickets of his own, but it was the spin and flight of varaiya that really had the Canadians bamboozled. In the end only the weather could have saved them as a thunder storm threatened to snatch victory from under Kenyan noses, but in the end even that could not come quick enough to deny Ouma his maiden win as Kenya Captain.

With the spirit shown in Ireland and the new vigour and enthusiasm he has instilled in the team, it should be the first of many. Kenya, who thanks to this result are now top of the Intercontinental Cup table, will now look to tomorrow's first ODI to underline their dominance and continue their resurgence.

Man of the match is hardly up for debate, but there is a poll available for you to let us know who you think deserves points for towards the Player of the Year award. Due to Tikolo's efforts, this poll will allow multiple votes so we can determine who you want to be awarded the minor points.

Duncan Allen hits first double-ton of 2009 season

Initial scores from NPCA 50 Over League week 4:

Stray Lions(18 points) beat Telca(1 point) by seven wickets at Ngara Sports Club to-day(Sunday) in the NPCA Super League Match which was officiated by Subhash Modi ad Lalji Bhudia.

Thomas Odoyo, Captain of Telca won the toss and decided to bat first but were soon in deep waters against the tight bowling of Darshit Shah (1/18), Andrew Mboya (3/33), Hiren Varaiya (3/26) and Captain Jimmy Kamande (3/26).
Top scorers for Telca were Vikram Thampy 21, Newton Muthee 21 and Thomas Odoyo 19.Alex Obanda made 8 while Stray Lions donated 26 extras to the score.

Stray Lions managed the required runs 140 for the loss of 3 wickets in just 22.2 overs thanks to the brilliant batting of David Obuya 63, Collins Obuya 31 not out and Steve Tikolo 13 including a towering six over the sight screeen which landed in the residence area and the ball was lost. Vikram Thampy bowled well to capture two wickets for 49 runs.

The highlight of the match was a brilliant catch of Alex Obanda taken just inside the boundary line by Malhar Patel off the bowling of Darshit Shah and Thomas Odoyo was brillintly caught by Steve Tikolo of the bowling of Hiren Varaiya. Both David and Collins batted superbly for Stray Lions.

The match was played in excellent spirit and it was an incident free.

Brief scores:

Telca all out for 139 in 37 overs. Telca Batting: Newton Muthee - 21, Vikram Thampy - 21, Thomas Odoyo - 19, Straylions Bowling: Andrew Mboya - 3/33, Hiren Varaiya - 3/27, Jimmy Kamande - 3/27 and Darshit Shah - 1/18

Straylions 140 runs in 22.2 for the loss of 3 wickets. Straylions Batting: David Obuya - 63, Peter Kituku - 8, Steve Tikolo - 19, Collins Obuya - 31 not out and Jimmy Kamande - 12 not out.
Telca Bowling: Vikram Thampy took 2/49 and Alfred Luseno got 1 wicket

Straylions A won by 7 wickets.

Scores - Thota Sreenivas

Swamipaba notched up another win scoring 352 vs Sir Ali with Maurice Ouma showing great form before the Canada tour with 178. James Otieno also impressed with 53 not out while Nehemiah Odhiambo again turned in a top class all round effort scoring 48 and leading the Swamibapa bowling attack taking 6 wkts for 43 off 9 overs.

Report - Peter Ongondo

In Kanbis A's match against Simba Union 'A' Lucas Oluoch made 75* and Karan Kaul 69* for Simba, though Kanbis went on to win the match by 4 wickets thanks to Rajesh Varsani (84) and Arvind Halai (66).

report - Karan Kaul

In the other match in Super Division Kanbis B defeated SCLYL A by 74 runs thanks to a century from Jadavji Jesani

Meanwhile in Division 1 Kongonis annhialated the Nairobi Jaffery bowlers scoring a massive 403! Jaffereys managed only 219 in reply. Duncan Allen lead the way for Kongonis with an unbeaten 203 - so far the first double century of this season and his second 100+ innings. Richard Collins chipped in with 76, Chris Childs made 48 and Adrian Zagaritis 57 not out.

Report - Dominic Wesonga

Suji to coach team in Canada

With the new national coach yet to be chosen, it is understood that Martin Suji will travel in that capacity when Kenya tour Canada next month. According to a report in today's Nation it will now not be until September that the new coach is named. This is a frustrating delay in some ways as it may well be almost half way through the current Intercontinental Cup campaign before he takes charge. Given that there will then be a settling in period, Kenya's fate in the competition may well be as good as sealed by the time his influence kicks in. According to the article, 5 shortlisted coaches will be invited travel to Kenya for one-on-one interviews in August. It is not clear who will be footing the bill for this.

While the delay is frustrating, it gives further experience to Suji who could possibly be the man to step permanently into this role in the future, or sooner should he be able to get results while he is in charge. Ultimately, a home-grown coach would be ideal for Kenya provided they were of sufficient standard.

With most of the current national team also in fine form in the NPCA league, it looks unlikely that there will be much change to the team when it is announced next week. On current form, the one player outside the national squad who is returning exceptional figures is Stray Lions bowler Darshit Shah. Another good weekend ahead and it would surely make it hard for the selectors not to at least consider him. He is the only bowler to have so far picked up 4+ wickets in both weeks, though Nehemiah Odhiambo does match his 9 wickets so far for the season.

Odhiambo again the man for Swamibapa

Super League:

Nehemiah Odhiambo turned in another fine all round performance as Swamibapa trounced Simba Union by 228 runs in their second convincing win of the NPCA season. Batting first, Swamibapa scored an imposing 358 with several batsmen chipping in with Half Centuries: Maurice Ouma 62, Nehemiah Odiambo 66 and Tony Suji 67 while Mitesh Sangani top scored with 80. Odhiambo then took 3 for15, Shem Obado 3 for 13 and Elijah Otieno 2 for 19 as Simba Union were bundled out for 130, only Runish Shah (51) making an impression with the bat. Shah earlier stood out with the ball for Simba picking up 3-69.

Report – Joseph Angara

Stray Lions(18 points) captained by Jimmy Kamande registered their second win this season when they beat Sir Ali Sports Club by nine wickets at the Peponi School Ground on Sunday in their NPCA Super League match which was umpired by Subhash Modi and Daniel Macdonald.

Sir Ali Sports Club won the toss and elected to bat first and were soon in trouble against the tight bowling of Darshit Shah (4-22) and Hiren Varaiya (4-24). Sir Ali Sports Club were bowled out for 94 runs in 35.3 overs. Their top scorers were Faraz Bhutt 37 and Aslam 14.

Stray Lions did not have much problem in scoring the required runs - 98 for 1 wicket in 11.5 overs thanks mainly to David Obuya 34, Jimmy Kamande 31 Not Out and Peter Kituku 23 not out.

Rakep Patel meanwhile showed why he should be given more responsibility for the National Team as he stroked a chanceless 138 in the battle between the two Kanbis sides, the only century of the round. Kanbis A went on to win by 48 runs, Rajesh Bhudia also chipping in with 60 runs.

Telca recorded their first win of the season as they coasted to a 193 run thumping of Sir Ali. Thomas Odoyo (60) and Newton Muthee (59) were the stars with the bat while Alfred Luseno took 4-16 and Vikram Thampy 3-27 in an easy run in the field.

Division 1:

Kongonis Development side turned around their first week loss with a solid 69 run win over Ruaraka. Batting first, Kongonis made 246 with the main contributors being William Rudd (76), Chris Childs (49), Duncan Allen (21), dominic Wesonga (19) and Hugo Norman (18). Manoj (A...?) 3-30 and Aashit (...?) 3-38 were the best bowlers for Ruaraka. In restricting Ruaraka to 177, Allen was the pick taking 3 for 35 off 9 while Bernard (O...?) took 3 for 42 off 9.3 and Wesonga was most economical with 2 for 20 off 10.Luv Hirani top scored for Ruaraka with 40.

Report – Dominic Wesonga

Division 2:

Golden XI won yesterday against Sir Ali 'B'. Sir Ali won the toss and elected to bat, they scored 132 all out with Tariq top scoring on 25. in reply Golden X1 easily reached the target with some aggressive play from the opening batsmen Mitesh(24) and Kamlesh(29)

Report - Charles Kariuki

The Ladies XI cricket side lost their opening match of the season by 143 runs to Aaryans on Sunday. But despite the loss the girls put a spirited fight to resctrict the hosts to 220 despite being on 76 for 0 at one stage. Ruth Mwihaki stared with 4 wickets. But the batting was the let down once again. Hope we will see improvement in the next match when they face Ruaraka. Report - Dun Okinyo

Keep the results coming in please, we will update as we can - Full results are out and will follow in a separate post