By Ernest Ndunda
Kenya displayed strong bowling skills in the last few overs to narrowly beat the visiting United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the second One Day International (ODI) last evening at the Mombasa Sports Club.
The match seemed headed to favour the visitors in the last over but the hosts opened their positioning to restrict the visiting batsmen.
It was in the 45.5 over when the visitors were 195 all out with only nine runs away from hitting Kenya’s 204 target.
Kenya won the toss and elected to bat and were 204 all out in 48.5 over at lunchtime.
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The hosts started their batting well but midway through, their partnership collapsed, which saw batsmen sent to the pavilion at will.
Ahmed Raza caught Morris Ouma with only 11 runs after he was bowled by Shoiab Sarwar to become the first victim. Swapnil Patil who caught him after Sarwar bowled him with 17 runs did not spare Rakep Patel either.
Kenya’s former captain Steve Tikolo had good run of 32 runs, but Patil ensured he ended his good run when he caught him with Arshad Ali as the bowler. Collins Obuya was the highest scorer for Kenya with 65 runs, with Shem Obado as the highest wicket-taker with four for 42 runs.
HIT TARGET
Chasing Kenya’s target, UAE looked determined enough to hit easily hit the target probably because they had fed well at lunchtime.
The visitors started their batting well but Kenya re-organised their fielding, which worked well.
However, UAE’s batting collapsed in mid-way, and Kenya took advantage to wrap up the match.
Patil was the highest scorer for the visitors with 41 runs, while Arfan Haider and captain Mohammed Tauqir contributed 36 and 30 respectively. Tauqir was the highest wicket taker with five for 45 runs.
Kenya now takes a 2-0 lead after winning their first match by six wickets on Sunday at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the next two ODI series matches would be played at the Coast Gymkhana Sports Club.
The two sides take a break today before they resume for the third match Thursday.
The last match of the four 50 over ODI series will be on Saturday.
