Tikolo and Odoyo bolster Kenya

Sharjah: Kenya's two most experienced batsmen, skipper Steve Tikolo and Thomas Odoyo, steered their team to an impressive total of 255 for 6 against UAE on the first day of their four-day Intercontinental Cup match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium yesterday.

It was a treat to watch the two star batsmen take control over the bowling through some pleasing shots. Tikolo set the stage for a good total through a delectable 63 while Odoyo lifted Kenya out of a trouble to remain unconquered on 79.

Speaking to Gulf News after the knock, Odoyo said: "Sharjah wicket has a reputation of being a batsman's paradise but today it was a difficult wicket to bat on. The ball stood up a bit before coming on to the bat and it made stroke play a bit difficult."

Kenya won the toss and elected to bat. Fahad Al Hashimi, the well-built UAE national, generated excellent pace off the wicket. He had opener David Obuya caught behind by wicketkeeper Amjad Ali for just one run.

Opener Morris Ouma and Tikolo took the score to 41 when Hashimi struck again. He had Ouma too caught behind for 18. Two-drop Alex Obanda joined Tikolo and saw Kenya past the 100-run mark. Tikolo played some lovely shots before being bowled by Arshad Ali. His knock of 63 off just 75 balls contained 13 hits to the boundary. Encouraged by the valuable wicket, Arshad struck again to dismiss Ondik Suji for 3. Left-arm spinner Khurram Khan had Obanda caught behind for 39 and Kenya slipped to 126 for 5.

Taking charge

Odoyo took charge at this stage and with James Kamande put on 121 runs for the sixth wicket. Kamande provided excellent support providing most of the strike to his experienced partner. Odoyo has so far hit six boundaries and one six in his 216 ball innings. UAE skipper Saqib Ali finally provided the breakthrough having Kamande caught by Ahmad Raza at widish long on for 43.

Brief scores

Kenya: 255 for 6 in 100 overs (Steve Tikolo 63, Thomas Odoyo 79 n.o, James Kamande 43, Alex Obanda 39; Fahad Hashimi 2 for 35, Arshad Ali 2 for 27).