Kenya win after Odoyo onslaught

The expression “it’s not in the bag until it’s in the bag” was certainly true of this 8th match between Kenya and Ireland at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi. Ireland looked like it was cruising to victory with six overs to go, and Kenya needing 52 runs with one wicket in hand. Thomas Odoyo then gave a display of power hitting, producing an onslaught of 61 from 39 balls to win the match for Kenya.

Kenya won the toss and chose to field first on Ruaraka Sports Club Ground.

Kevin O’Brien and William Porterfield each hit hundreds, to give Ireland a competitive total of 284 from their 50 overs.

Kenya then batted, and Ireland’s bowlers took wickets at regular intervals, with a number of batsmen getting a start. Nehemiah Odhiambo played well for his 66. However, the century partnerships that Ireland built their innings on eluded Kenya. It was left to No. 8 batsman Thomas Odoyo to work some magic in what looked like a match win for Ireland.

With 20 needed from the last two overs, Odoyo hit two huge sixes. Kenya scored 54 from 38 balls to seize an unlikely victory. Odoyo was then mobbed by the crowd who could not believe that Kenya had pulled off such an unlikely victory.

Kenya look to be in really good form in this competition, while Ireland are lamenting the match that got away, especially as they were beaten off a last ball by Scotland in an earlier match.

Ireland 284-4
Kevin O’Brien 142, William Porterfield 104*
Peter Ongondo 2-33

Kenya won by 1 wicket (with 6 balls remaining)

Kenya 286-9
Nehemiah Odhiambo 66, Thomas Odoyo 61*
Andre Botha 4-42, Kyle McCallan 4-36

Cricket Web Player of the Match
Thomas Odoyo