Milestones galore as Kenya extend lead in Kigali

Kenya maximized on yet another opportunity to record outstanding performances at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Qualifier Africa A in Kigali, Rwanda to record their highest T20i total as they went on to beat Lesotho by 167 runs at the IPRC Oval.

Electing to bat, Kenya powered on to 5/237, their highest T20i total that broke their earlier set two-day old record of 6/209 against Malawi at Gahanga Stadium.

A day after Peter Langat made a career best of 6/17 against Mali, Nelson Odhiambo landed another career landmark with his maiden T20i half century. Promoted to bat at three, Odhiambo top scored with 67 off 29 balls, his innings inclusive of three sixes and eight boundaries before is stumps were rattled by Waseem Yaqoob with the final ball of his torturous quota that went for 62 runs.

Rushabh Patel and Sukhdeep Singh put on an 82-run opening partnership. Photo courtesy of RCA.

Rushabh Patel extended his fine form from yesterday to also put up his maiden half century in the format with a 34-ball 63 as he piled on eight boundaries and a sole maximum. Further, Patel put on a spectacular 82-run opening stand with tournament debutant Sukhdeep Singh, who looked lithe with the bat with 31 of 26 balls, five boundaries therein.

In return, Kenya once again outspan their opponents who managed only 70 runs before being bundled out with 28 balls to spare. Yakoob's redemption story at the top of the order lasted 11 overs before Rakep Patel bagging him for 27 off 30 balls and Yahya Jakda in two consecutive balls. Earlier, Mpiti Lerotholi had also looked set to go the mile but Shem Ngoche accounted for him as he lofted one to Rakep Patel at mid on in the 4th over for 22 off 14.

Shem Ngoche was the pick of the bowlers with 3/16. Photo courtesy of RCA

 

None of the remaining batters managed double figures, four of them recording ducks as the Kenyan bowlers ran through the mid - bottom order.

Ngoche was once again the pick of the bowlers with 3/16 from his three overs with Peter Langat and Vraj Patel picking two-a-piece; Molai Matsau and Jakda replicating the same for Lesotho.

This was Kenya's third win in the tournament to bring the point tally to 8 as they perch at the top of the table. 

Kenya's next match is against Botswana on Thursday, 24th November at 1:45 pm at the Gahanga Satadium.