Kenya Cricket Team is the official cricket team of Kenya that was earlier a part of East African Team. In 1981, it became an associated member of ICC and participated in various tournaments organized by ICC. They came as runners up in the 1994 and soon after got the status of One-Day playing nation that permits them in participating in 1996 World Cup. Their major achievement in 96-World Cup is the win over West Indies though they couldn’t progress beyond the first round. But, their performance in 2003 World Cup as a semifinalist really surprised every body and forced ICC to grant Test status.
Though, Kenya doesn’t have any considerable success in International cricket after 2003 World Cup, but has produced some talented players like the current captain Steve Tikolo, Thomas Odoyo, David Obuya, Martin Suji and Aasif Karim. The current team under the captaincy of experienced Tikolo and guidance of coach Roger Harper are again expected to upset some powerful test playing nations.
Placed in Group-C in the 2007 ICC World Cup along with England, New Zealand and Canada, the team will play its first match against Canada on 14 th March. With some experienced as well as young players, so hopefully, they will try to continue their 2003 World Cup performance.
Team Players:
Steve Tikolo (Captain), Thomas Odoyo (VC), Ravindu Shah, Tanmay Mishra, Collins Obuya, Peter Ongondo, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Morris Ouma, Malhar Patel, Hiren Varaiya, David Obuya (Wk), Rajesh Bhudia, Jimmy Kamande, Tony Suji, Lameck Onyango.
Key Players:
Steve Tikolo – As one of the oldest member in squad, he is considered as a good all-rounder with experience of 91 ODIs. He is also one of the few Kenyan players to score a century in ODIs and the one who scored Kenya’s first ever half-century in the 1996 World Cup. Both his batting and spin bowling make him the player to watch out for.
Thomas Odoyo – At the age of 17, Thomas registered his One-day debut in the 1996 World Cup and since then developed himself as an all-rounder. Though currently he struggled a bit to get back in form, but certainly be one of Keny’s key players.
David Obuya – This wicket keeper batsman has recently recalled to the team following a successful domestic season. Though his batting average is not that much to consider but experience of 42 ODIs can come to play if he bats good as an opener.
Ravindu Shah – A young and talented player and his batting in last world cup makes him one of the players on which teams fortune relies. So hopefully, he will do his job better in strengthen Kenyan batting line-up.
Tony Suji – Though he has not impressed much in his bowling but in the absence of Martin Suji he can be key bowler in the team. His experience in 53 ODIs can come handy both as front line bowler and useful down the order batsman.
The most important thing in Kenyan’s squad is that they have played a lot of international matches and are used to handle pressure situations. Though the side has some young face but their previous World Cup performance can boost to perform even better. Lets see, how they actually manage to get hold in all disciplines of the game.
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