Kenya face Afghans in second one-dayer

By Oscar Pilipili

Kenya will seek to seal victory when they play Afghanistan in a cricket second one day international at Nairobi Gymkhana today.

Just days after humbling Kenya in an Intercontinental Cup fixture in Nairobi, Afghanistan were at the receiving end on Thursday, sliding to a 92-run defeat against the same opponents in the first of three ODIs in Nairobi.

Bowler James Ngoche attacks Afghanistan batsman during the One Day International which Kenya won by 92 runs on Thursday. [PHOTO: MARTIN MUKANGU /STANDARD]

The teams are expected to up their game with increased runs in the tie.

All-rounder Jimmy Kamande will be playing his second match as captain after he took over from Maurice Ouma who stepped down last Tuesday.

Experienced Thomas Odoyo is expected to lead Kenya in bowling with support of promising youngsters including bowlers James Ngoche and Nehemiah Odhiambo.

Batting order

Steve Tikolo’s experience will come in handy in batting which is inconsistent.

The batting order showed improved performance in the Intercontinental Cup with several players hitting half-century mark.

Players to watch in Afghanistan line-up include fast bowler Hamid Hassan who has proved a thorn in Kenya’s batting order.

Meanwhile, Tikolo says his mission in the national team is to help inject maturity in upcoming players. Tikolo believes the youngsters have great potential and can play competently at international level with good nurturing.

"I have always said the younger players in the team can play world-class cricket with support from the seniors," he said.

Lacking experience

Tikolo decided to retire from international cricket last February, but yielded to Cricket Kenya’s request to return to the team for the purpose of the 2011 ICC World Cup.

He said: "I was called by the national body to come and add value to the team which is lacking experience."

"My goal is to guide young ones to a level where they can play competitive cricket," he said of his return to the team.

The 39-year-old Tikolo said he would stay with the team until after the World Cup when he will make his next move.

"I’m prepared to be in the team to encourage upcoming players for the whole duration of the World Cup then I will decide what to do next," he told FeverPitch at the Nairobi Gymkhana.

James Ngoche, Elijah Otieno, Ragheb Aga, Rakep Patel and Nehemiah Odhiambo are some of the younger players struggling to find their footing in the national team.

Tikolo, who has played 126 one-day internationals for Kenya and in four World Cups, will soon take up a contract in Zimbabwe.