KENYA READY FOR HONG KONG: The home boys will be hoping to pull a good one over opponents

Kenya's Batsman and Wicket-Keeper Irfan Karim (left) and Dhiren Gondaria during quadrangular Cricket Tournament match against Uganda at Nairobi Gymkana on Wednesday, Sept 28, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

The men’s national cricket team is ready to tackle Hong Kong in 50-overs One Day Matches of the ICC World Cricket League (WCL) this Friday and Sunday at Nairobi Gymkhana. The Kenyan men seeking to reclaim Kenya’s lost glory in the sport have been intensely training in preparation for the Hong Kong tie.

Team coach Thomas Odoyo is confident that he has done his job well and it is time for his charges to deliver as they seek to qualify for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. “We have prepared well and I urge my players to remain focused because we are going to battle and the outcome depends entirely on them,’’ Odoyo said.

He added that the morale is high and his charges are yearning for victory on home soil. “It has been long since the country hosted a high profile international match. The morale is high and boys are longing to win so they can restore the country’s love for cricket,’’ he added.

Kenya is eying a top four finish in the world league contest so as to secure a ticket to the global showpiece. They are currently fifth on the WCL standings and need to win their remaining matches to increase their chances of returning to the World Cup having missed the 2015 showdown.

The homeboys will be led by skipper Rakep Patel who was impressive for Kenya during the Quadrangular challenge in August and will be assisted by Shem Obado. Irfan Karim retains his place as wicket keeper. Dependable bowler Nelson Odhiambo will also be expected to rise to the occasion as well as talented batsman Dhiren Gondaria. Narendra Kalyan who returns to the national outfit is also expected to excel.

Kenya have six points from their win, draw and loss and must beat Hong Kong who are fourth with nine points to increase their chances of qualifying. Papua New Guinea top the log tied on 12 points with Netherlands but have a superior run rate while Scotland are third with 11 points.

Kenya have met three opponents this far winning 2-0 against Namibia, playing to a 1-1 stalemate against United Arab Emirates and losing 0-2 to Papua New Guinea. Other matches lined up for Kenya are against table leaders Netherlands, second placed Scotland and Nepal who are below them on the log.