Kenya's preparations for their Intercontinental cup match against Bermuda were dealt a blow last night with Alex Obanda being ruled out of the match due to his ankle injury. Obanda strained his ankle when he tripped on the boundary rope while trying to stop a four in the second ODI against Bermuda and has been undergoing treatment since in an effort to get him ready for today's game. Medical advice however was received last night indicating that should he play with the ankle in its current state, he risks doing serious long term injury. This is a risk that neither Obanda nor Kenya can afford to take, so he will be forced to cheer the team on from the stands.

Obanda has been a real find for Kenya and has impressed with his performances so far. He averages 32 in First Class cricket and his absence made a big difference to Kenya's run chases in both the second and third ODIs against Bermuda. There is no doubt that he will be missed, especially with another young prospect, Tanmay Mishra also unavailable due to study reasons.

Though another young batsman, James Otieno Ngoche - younger brother of Nehemiah Odhiambo, has been drafted into the squad, it is expected that Tony Suji will step in to replace Obanda in the starting XI. Speaking from Nairobi, Coach Alfred Njuguna said "We expected Obanda to be fit for the four-dayer but it seems the injury has not healed. Suji is the only other batsman left and we will have to use him."

Suji has been in and out of the side for the last couple of years, but has not been able to match his 103* in the semi finals of the 2005 edition of this competition. Suji only averages 16 in First Class cricket and that will simply not be enough for Kenya from their number 3 batsman. 2007 has seen a marginal improvement with an average of 19.7, but he has only made the one half century - 76 against Northers in the Logan Cup. It was Bermuda that he scored the century against in 2005 and Kenya's fans will be hoping lightning strikes twice when he steps out onto Gymkhana's wicket in the next few days.

Without Obanda, Kenya will need the rest of the line up to raise the bar and take the game to their opponents. David Obuya is due to make some runs, while Tikolo, Odoyo and Ouma have all shown good form in the ODIs leading up to this game. Gymkhana traditionally favours the batsmen and Kenya will be hoping their top order will take full advantage and put the pressure on their visitors.

In the bowling department, Odoyo, Ogondo and Odhiambo are virtually certain to take the three main seam slots. It is likely that Kenya will stick with a fourth medium with the likely pick being Alfred Luseno. Luseno impressed in the last ODI when he ripped through the Bermudan line up to take 4/32 and will be a useful change up in pace for the hosts. Kenya will also be able to draw on the spin trio of Tikolo, Kamande and Varaiya who have all been in good form in recent matches.

Despite the weakened batting line up, Kenya go into today's match both expecting and needing an outright win. Bermuda have lost their first two games by an innings and then some and if Kenya are to seriously challenge for the title, they need to inflict the same margin of defeat, or at the least ensure they collect the full 20 points. Entry to the ground is free and Cricket Kenya are hoping for decent crowds to cheer the team on, especially over the weekend.