Kenya bounced back from its loss to Namibia yesterday with a nine-wicket win against the United States of America (USA) in its Group B fixture played at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Monday in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2012.
Kenya's Nelson Odhiambo during his spell of 3 for 13 against USA. Photo: ICC/Thusith Wijedoru
USA made a disappointing 90 all out in 18.2 overs and 19 runs of the score were gifted to the side by virtue of Kenyan extras. Sushil Nadkarni top scored for the USA with 41 while the rest of the American batting line-up collapsed to the bowling of Nelson Odhiambo and Ragheb Aga, the fast bowlers taking three wickets each as the USA slumped to its lowest total of the tournament so far. The total could have been lower had Nadkarni not been dropped on nine runs earlier in the innings.
Collins Obuya’s men proceeded to knock off the target with ease, smashing the USA bowlers around the park and despite Kenya’s Alex Obanda departing after a 19-ball 34, Duncan Allan and Obuya finished things off for the Kenyans to give the side a resounding nine-wicket victory.
Man of the match Odhiambo said post-match: “The wicket was good this morning, it was green and seaming around plenty and I made sure I used the conditions to the best of my ability to ensure we got the wickets and kept the target low.
“I don’t think it was an easy game or an easy target to chase down, the less runs you score sometimes the harder it is to chase the total down. That being said we fielded and bowled well today so that when our batsmen came in they knew what had to be done for victory.”
Kenya beats USA by nine wickets in Group B fixture in Abu Dhabi
USA 90 all out, 18.2 overs (Sushil Nadkarni 41; Ragheb Aga 3-16, Nelson Odhiambo 3-13)
Kenya 93-1, 10 overs (Duncan Allan 34 not out, Collins Obuya 24 not out, Alex Obanda 34)
Man of the match Nelson Odhiambo (Kenya)
