(Picture – @Maqsood1maqsood)
Kenyan skipper Dhiren Gondaria’s splendid inning helped Kenya to surpass the massive target of 241 set by Uganda. Gondaria stood tall throughout the inning and smashed 90 runs off just 46 balls to secure the victory over their neighbouring nation. He slammed 7 sixes and 5 fours to collect 62 runs through boundaries. He was well supported by his opening partner Alex Obanda. Gondaria and Obanda shared quick-fire 75 runs from 31 deliveries for the first wicket to set a solid foundation while chasing the huge total. Obanda personally added 35 runs, out of which 30 runs were through boundaries with 6 fours and a six. Wicket skipper batsman Rakep Patel and Collins Obuya also scored 31 and 29 runs respectively during middle-overs to keep a contest alive. Kenya was in need of 53 runs in last 30 balls when Shem Ngoche walked down to the crease. From there on, he took the finishing responsibility and finished up the things with unbeaten 25 runs off 11 balls including 3 sixes. Hence, collective batting effort inspired by their skipper Gondaria summed up Kenya’s big run chase as they sealed off the things with 3 balls to spare and registered 4 wickets victory over Uganda. It was tough day for the bowlers where everyone (including Kenya’s bowlers) expect Mohammed Irfan went on to produce a figure with more than 10 runs per over. Momentum turned into Kenyan favour when Riazat Ali Khan conceded 25 runs in 5th over with 3 fours and 2 sixes. Nakrani was a top wicket taker of the second inning and match overall with 2 wickets besides his name. He sent back Gondaria and Odhiambo in his bowling spell of 4 overs.
Earlier, Uganda lost the toss and was forced to bat first. They went on and scored 240 runs in stipulated 20 overs. Nakrani was a top scorer for the Uganda with unbeaten inning of 88 runs. His 42 balls’ inning was consist of 8 fours and 6 sixes. Riazat Ali Khan, who had very bad day with a ball in hand, had very good day at office with bat with unbeaten 74 runs off 35 balls with 8 fours and 3 sixes. Kayondo and Mukasa also added 26 and 25 runs respectively but it wasn’t quite enough for Uganda as they lost by a narrow margin. Kerai, Ringera and Odhiambo picked up a wicket each for Kenya. So 481 runs were scored with 9 wickets in the match and in the end Kenyan found their nose bit ahead.
Dhiren Gondaria was adjudged as player of the match for taking his side to the victory with exceptional 90 runs.
Uganda will face Tanzania where Kenya will face Rwanda tomorrow in tomorrow’s World T20 Qualifier Africa B fixture.
