As with their first match against Rwanda, it was one way traffic for Kenya’s Under 15s as they disposed of Tanzania by 258 runs yesterday at Sir Ali Muslim Club in Nairobi.

Once again, Kenya won the toss and elected to bat and again one of the openers took the match to the opposition from the start. This time it was Irfan Karim, who narrowly missed out on a fifty in the first match, who put the pedal down, while Emmanuel Bundi (7) and Nikit Shah (8) became early casualties. After the initial set backs, Karim was joined by Captain Kenney Owino and the pair never looked back.

Though Karim’s innings ended when he was caught behind by wicket keeper Seifu Chilala, he had posted a remarkable 112 of just 40 deliveries faced including thirteen fours and one towering six. Where Karim was all out attack, Owino was more circumspect and he too was rewarded with a century, finishing unbeaten to guide Kenya to a daunting 288 for the loss of only 5 wickets at the end of their 40 overs.

Kenya brought in the tall off spinner Keval Patel early in their defence and it proved a masterstroke as even with the new ball he got turn from the wicket and bamboozled the Tanzanians. In a devastating 4 over spell he ripped through the top order taking 5 wickets for hardly any runs as Tanzania collapsed to 29 all out. Martin Okoth and David Mumbo both chipped in with a wicket a piece as Kenya completed their domination.

With the two easy games of the tournament out of the way, Kenya now face Uganda today in what should be a much tougher contest. Uganda are very much a team on the up in Associate cricket and like Kenya they have so far proved a cut above the other teams in this event. Having easily beaten Tanzania in their first match, they posted a convincing 6 wicket win over Rwanda at Peponi School yesterday.

Electing to field first, Uganda bowled a tight line and length to keep their opposition to a low run rate and though they only lost 6 wickets Rwanda were only able to score 99 runs in their 40 overs. Fiston Nsensyumu (19) and Jean Paul Siboniyo (15) top scored for the Rwandese while Ugandan bowling honours were shared by Captain Henry Ssenyondo (2/6) and Tran Kabana (2/7).

Uganda’s chase had a couple of minor mishaps as Joseph (?) took 2/7 to give the underdogs a glimmer of hope for an upset, but Ejindra Geofrey (25*) and Andrew Ochan (21*) did enough to see Uganda safely home.
Though Rwanda have suffered two heavy defeats in their first two matches at this level, they have shown some potential and can be hopeful of upsetting the more experienced Tanzanians when the two meet at Peponi School. Kenya and Uganda will both be looking to complete their dominance in their final match with a place in the Continental Championships up for grabs for the winner.