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 Uganda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Uganda. 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, 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
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Kenya Ladies end 8 year drought in style
Yesterday Kenya Ladies played a team that they had never beaten in eight years of trying and not just beat them but completely outplayed them.
Winning the toss, Uganda chose to bat but ran straight into trouble as they lost two early wickets - Anna Kisakye run out for 2 and Barbara Mukankusi bowled by Mary Belle for 4. Kenya's Ladies kept a tight line and the discipline paid off with the Ugandans frustrated at being unable to score going for more suicidal runs, chances that the Kenyans gleefully accepted. Mary Belle (3/22) continued to reap the rewards of the pressure created by Belinda Maska (8-5-4-1) as she picked up two more wickets to have Uganda well and truly on the ropes at 21/6 after 15 overs.
A rally of sorts was then carried out by Christine Aryemo (14) and Consy Aweko (13*) who added 26 for the next wicket, but the run rate was still painfully slow and Kenya still well and truly in control of the game. Again it was a run out that triggered a Ugandan collapse, though this time the bowler to benefit was Sarah Bhakita who cleaned up the tail taking 3/5 off 5.4 overs.
Uganda finished on 71 all out after 38.4 overs.
Kenya lost opener Perlyne Omamo to Stella Atim with just 4 on the board, but from then on the reply was held together by sensible batting from Margaret Banja (47*) and Mary Aimee (15*) who saw the hosts home for an historic victory.
It may have taken 8 years, but Kenya's Ladies are proving under the stewardship of Dun Okinyo and their inclusion in the NPCA leagues that they are a growing force. If there was ever a result that begged for Cricket Kenya or the NPCA to consider a second ladies team in that competition, this surely is it. Congratulations to the Kenyan ladies on such a fine milestone, may it be the first of many more!
Winning the toss, Uganda chose to bat but ran straight into trouble as they lost two early wickets - Anna Kisakye run out for 2 and Barbara Mukankusi bowled by Mary Belle for 4. Kenya's Ladies kept a tight line and the discipline paid off with the Ugandans frustrated at being unable to score going for more suicidal runs, chances that the Kenyans gleefully accepted. Mary Belle (3/22) continued to reap the rewards of the pressure created by Belinda Maska (8-5-4-1) as she picked up two more wickets to have Uganda well and truly on the ropes at 21/6 after 15 overs.
A rally of sorts was then carried out by Christine Aryemo (14) and Consy Aweko (13*) who added 26 for the next wicket, but the run rate was still painfully slow and Kenya still well and truly in control of the game. Again it was a run out that triggered a Ugandan collapse, though this time the bowler to benefit was Sarah Bhakita who cleaned up the tail taking 3/5 off 5.4 overs.
Uganda finished on 71 all out after 38.4 overs.
Kenya lost opener Perlyne Omamo to Stella Atim with just 4 on the board, but from then on the reply was held together by sensible batting from Margaret Banja (47*) and Mary Aimee (15*) who saw the hosts home for an historic victory.
It may have taken 8 years, but Kenya's Ladies are proving under the stewardship of Dun Okinyo and their inclusion in the NPCA leagues that they are a growing force. If there was ever a result that begged for Cricket Kenya or the NPCA to consider a second ladies team in that competition, this surely is it. Congratulations to the Kenyan ladies on such a fine milestone, may it be the first of many more!
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
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