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?
Showing posts with label collins Obuya. Show all posts
Showing posts with label collins Obuya. Show all posts
Friday, October 16, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
David Obuya stakes a claim for a recall
David Obuya has given the Kenyan selectors plenty to think about after the squad's recent practice match played over 3 days that ended yesterday. Playing for an XI lead by Collins Obuya vs a Maurice Ouma skippered XI, he contributed 132 in the first innings, the only century of the match and added a further 70 odd runs in the second.
In a game that ended in a draw, the pitch seemed to favour the batsmen with most bowlers only picking up one or two wickets each. Of the bowlers, Peter Ongondo was reported to be the most incisive, while several batsmen spent quality time in the middle.
Other than David Obuya, others who found good touch were Jimmy Kamande (70* in the first innings), Kennedy Otieno 67* in the second innings, youngster Peter Kituku who made a half century and both Collins Obuya and Steve Tikolo who chipped in with quickfire 30s and 40s in the second innings.
Thanks to those players who took up valuable time to send the results, we will update as we hear more.
In a game that ended in a draw, the pitch seemed to favour the batsmen with most bowlers only picking up one or two wickets each. Of the bowlers, Peter Ongondo was reported to be the most incisive, while several batsmen spent quality time in the middle.
Other than David Obuya, others who found good touch were Jimmy Kamande (70* in the first innings), Kennedy Otieno 67* in the second innings, youngster Peter Kituku who made a half century and both Collins Obuya and Steve Tikolo who chipped in with quickfire 30s and 40s in the second innings.
Thanks to those players who took up valuable time to send the results, we will update as we hear more.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Five Shortlisted for Captaincy
Also according to cricinfo's source close to the selection process, the search for Kenya's next captain has been narrowed to 5 with the decision expected to be made within the week after each candidate has had an interview with the selection panel.
There are no real surprises in the five names put forward. All are seen as key players for the current team and all have a decent level of experience to draw on. In alphabetical order of first name, they are:
Collins Obuya (27), Hiren Varaiya (25), Jimmy Kamande (30), Maurice Ouma (26) and Thomas Odoyo (31).
When Steve Tikolo announced his retirement, I ran a post having a look at some of the candidates I thought might make it. for those that missed it here are my thoughts on the final 5 in the order I think most likely to be given the duty:
1. Thomas Odoyo. As both the longest continuing servant of Kenyan cricket after Tikolo and the team's current Vice Captain, Odoyo has to be the favourite to take over the mantle. In his favour are his experience, his ability to lead from the front with both bat and ball and his natural leadership ability. There has been a recent problem with injuries however and the load of captaincy on top of his other duties may be considered too great - there are not many genuine all rounders who have also made great captains. Despite this and the recent slump in form, he is still the most likely to succeed Tikolo. At 31 probably still has about 4 years of service left and will certainly still be there for the World Cup.
2. Jimmy Kamande. Also an all rounder, Kamande is less of a key player than Odoyo, so the strain would be less. He has experience of captaincy at both club and Elite League and has a tendency to show a more attacking streak that Tikolo does. At 30, he has probably about the same time left as Odoyo, but is less beset by injuries and has really grown as a player in the last 12 months during which he has often been the player standing up to save the team. If not selected as Captain, would probably make a very good understudy and will probably be needed as such if Odoyo is made captain and misses games due to injury.
3. Collins Obuya. After Tikolo, perhaps the most sensible of Kenya's batsmen in recent times and at 27 looks to have more time left in the game than the 2 previous possibles. Like Kamande a great fielder and will set a good example in both innings. One of the other players who is really showing consistent signs of improvement at the moment. His biggest asset though would probably be his age and the fact that having burst onto the scene in the 2003 World Cup, he will know how do deal with the media and pressures that come with the profile.
4. Hiren Varaiya. Of all the bowlers, it has been said that spinners are most likely to make the best captains as they rely on intellect and guile to get their opponents out. Varaiya is certainly a quality spinner and has an understanding of the game that could see him develop into a fine captain. Unlike the other candidates however, he is not a key figure with the bat and in a time when Kenya desperately needs someone to lead from the front in this department, it may be a case of the wrong timing. If not chosen as Captain, would certainly make a fine understudy as he has the determination and toughness that is needed in a leadership role. As the youngest of the candidates, he may yet get his opportunity if he misses out this time round.
5. Maurice Ouma. For my mind the dark horse of the 5, despite being of an age that would be perfect. As his nickname (Pagal) suggests, Ouma's great talent has at times in the past been undone by a reckless streak. In the field, he is tidy behind the stumps and like all wicket keepers possesses not only a good understanding of what is going on around him, but would be in the perfect position to asses how each bowler is faring on a ball by ball basis. With the bat, there are still too many starts that are not carried into big figures and his propensity to be involved in runouts hints at a lack of communication. The above being said, he is held in high regard by his fellow players and this could be the responsibility that turns a good player into a great one.
The above is just my opinion. There is a poll on the right for you to let us know who you think should lead Kenya to the next World Cup and beyond and you can always have your say on our discussion page on facebook.
There are no real surprises in the five names put forward. All are seen as key players for the current team and all have a decent level of experience to draw on. In alphabetical order of first name, they are:
Collins Obuya (27), Hiren Varaiya (25), Jimmy Kamande (30), Maurice Ouma (26) and Thomas Odoyo (31).
When Steve Tikolo announced his retirement, I ran a post having a look at some of the candidates I thought might make it. for those that missed it here are my thoughts on the final 5 in the order I think most likely to be given the duty:
1. Thomas Odoyo. As both the longest continuing servant of Kenyan cricket after Tikolo and the team's current Vice Captain, Odoyo has to be the favourite to take over the mantle. In his favour are his experience, his ability to lead from the front with both bat and ball and his natural leadership ability. There has been a recent problem with injuries however and the load of captaincy on top of his other duties may be considered too great - there are not many genuine all rounders who have also made great captains. Despite this and the recent slump in form, he is still the most likely to succeed Tikolo. At 31 probably still has about 4 years of service left and will certainly still be there for the World Cup.
2. Jimmy Kamande. Also an all rounder, Kamande is less of a key player than Odoyo, so the strain would be less. He has experience of captaincy at both club and Elite League and has a tendency to show a more attacking streak that Tikolo does. At 30, he has probably about the same time left as Odoyo, but is less beset by injuries and has really grown as a player in the last 12 months during which he has often been the player standing up to save the team. If not selected as Captain, would probably make a very good understudy and will probably be needed as such if Odoyo is made captain and misses games due to injury.
3. Collins Obuya. After Tikolo, perhaps the most sensible of Kenya's batsmen in recent times and at 27 looks to have more time left in the game than the 2 previous possibles. Like Kamande a great fielder and will set a good example in both innings. One of the other players who is really showing consistent signs of improvement at the moment. His biggest asset though would probably be his age and the fact that having burst onto the scene in the 2003 World Cup, he will know how do deal with the media and pressures that come with the profile.
4. Hiren Varaiya. Of all the bowlers, it has been said that spinners are most likely to make the best captains as they rely on intellect and guile to get their opponents out. Varaiya is certainly a quality spinner and has an understanding of the game that could see him develop into a fine captain. Unlike the other candidates however, he is not a key figure with the bat and in a time when Kenya desperately needs someone to lead from the front in this department, it may be a case of the wrong timing. If not chosen as Captain, would certainly make a fine understudy as he has the determination and toughness that is needed in a leadership role. As the youngest of the candidates, he may yet get his opportunity if he misses out this time round.
5. Maurice Ouma. For my mind the dark horse of the 5, despite being of an age that would be perfect. As his nickname (Pagal) suggests, Ouma's great talent has at times in the past been undone by a reckless streak. In the field, he is tidy behind the stumps and like all wicket keepers possesses not only a good understanding of what is going on around him, but would be in the perfect position to asses how each bowler is faring on a ball by ball basis. With the bat, there are still too many starts that are not carried into big figures and his propensity to be involved in runouts hints at a lack of communication. The above being said, he is held in high regard by his fellow players and this could be the responsibility that turns a good player into a great one.
The above is just my opinion. There is a poll on the right for you to let us know who you think should lead Kenya to the next World Cup and beyond and you can always have your say on our discussion page on facebook.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Kenya improve with win in second warm up game
A much better batting performance coupled with some more disciplined bowling has given Kenya a morale boosting win over the Tuks Academy in a warm up match played the LC De Villiers Oval in Pretoria.
Batting first, Kenya posted an imposing total of 253 for 6 in their 50 overs on the back of a century partnership between Thomas Odoyo (70) and Collins Obuya (47 n.o.). Kennedy Obuya (45) and Seren Waters (33), earlier added a partnership of 77 and despite a minor wobble when they lost both Tikolo (22) and waters with the score on 125, this was a much improved effort from the Kenyans who will take heart in the fact that several players seem to be finding form just when it will be needed.
Once again, Hiren Varaiya was the pick of Kenya's bowling picking up 3/34 off his 10 overs, but Jimmy Kamande and Lameck Onyango will both be pleased to have picked up a brace each, though Onyango did go at 6 an over. Both Peter Ongondo and Odoyo took a wicket each and were given relatively easy 6 over duties. It was the combination of Variaya and Kamande who broke Tuks with a 10 over spell that conceded 51 runs, but accounted for 5 wickets. They never recovered and Onyango and Odoyo polished off the remaining wickets to give Kenya an 64 run win.
After Nehemiah Odhiambo and Rajesh Bhudia were so expensive in the last game, it will be interesting to see if the selectors remain with the change pair of Onyango and Elijah Otieno, who though remained wicket-less, has so far proved to be the only one of the four to maintain an acceptable economy rate (23 off 5 overs - 4.6).
With the much sterner test of Scotland looming on Sunday, one would assume the selectors will go with their perceived best team. Just going on the last 2 games, it is hard to see it being any different from this one, though Alex Obanda may still be due a dig in which case one would assume Waters would resume opening duties in place of Ouma.
Batting first, Kenya posted an imposing total of 253 for 6 in their 50 overs on the back of a century partnership between Thomas Odoyo (70) and Collins Obuya (47 n.o.). Kennedy Obuya (45) and Seren Waters (33), earlier added a partnership of 77 and despite a minor wobble when they lost both Tikolo (22) and waters with the score on 125, this was a much improved effort from the Kenyans who will take heart in the fact that several players seem to be finding form just when it will be needed.
Once again, Hiren Varaiya was the pick of Kenya's bowling picking up 3/34 off his 10 overs, but Jimmy Kamande and Lameck Onyango will both be pleased to have picked up a brace each, though Onyango did go at 6 an over. Both Peter Ongondo and Odoyo took a wicket each and were given relatively easy 6 over duties. It was the combination of Variaya and Kamande who broke Tuks with a 10 over spell that conceded 51 runs, but accounted for 5 wickets. They never recovered and Onyango and Odoyo polished off the remaining wickets to give Kenya an 64 run win.
After Nehemiah Odhiambo and Rajesh Bhudia were so expensive in the last game, it will be interesting to see if the selectors remain with the change pair of Onyango and Elijah Otieno, who though remained wicket-less, has so far proved to be the only one of the four to maintain an acceptable economy rate (23 off 5 overs - 4.6).
With the much sterner test of Scotland looming on Sunday, one would assume the selectors will go with their perceived best team. Just going on the last 2 games, it is hard to see it being any different from this one, though Alex Obanda may still be due a dig in which case one would assume Waters would resume opening duties in place of Ouma.
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