Kenya upbeat ahead of ICC qualifiers in Oman

Ahead of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cricket League Division 3 scheduled for November 9 to 19 in Oman, Kenya skipper Collins Obuya is optimistic of positive results.

In what will be the first ICC event on Omani soil, Kenya will open her account against the hosts on November 9 before facing USA on November 12.

Obuya is confident that the side has what it takes to shine in Oman.

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

“We have a good squad and all we need to do is play as a team, apply our basics of batting and bowling well and we shall get positive results,” Obuya told Standard Sports.

A day after facing USA, Kenya will confront neighbours Uganda, and Singapore on November 16 and wind up their campaign against Denmark on November 18.

The team will be seeking to regain their second tier status after suffering relegation in February as a result of a sixth-place finish in the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 in Namibia.

A top two finish in Oman will see the Kenyans make a comeback to the second division and Obuya admits they are under pressure to deliver.

“Our preparations have been good. There is definitely pressure on our side as we seek to bounce back to Division Two,” Obuya said.

Maurice Odumbe dropped

Kenya will bank on veteran bowler Nelson Odhiambo to lead the side to glory.

The 29-year-old took seven wickets in the Division 2 tournament held in Namibia in February.

Having scored 167 runs in seven matches in Namibia, batsman Dhiren Gondaria will also be among the players to watch on the Kenyan team.   

With Maurice Odumbe having been dropped from the contingent that leaves the country on Tuesday, the team will be under the tutelage of assistant coach Lameck Onyango during the tournament that will be played over eight days.