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Kenya upset Sri Lanka by 53 runs
Nairobi, Feb 24: Kenya produced the biggest shock of the Eighth Cricket World Cup today by beating 1996 champion and group leader Sri Lanka by 53 runs.
Nairobi, Feb 24: Kenya produced the biggest shock of the Eighth Cricket World Cup today by beating 1996 champion and group leader Sri Lanka by 53 runs.
After opener Kennedy Otieno hit 60 in a creditable 210 for nine at the Gymkhana Club in Nairobi, the Kenyans bowled Sri Lanka out for 157 with Collins Obuya - Otieno`s brother- taking five for 24, a national record in a one-day game.
The victory, which sparked scenes of wild jubilation both on and off the field, lifted Kenya to 12 points in Group B and a victory over Bangladesh at wanderers stadium Johannesburg on Saturday will give Steve Tikolo`s team a great chance of reaching the second round for the first time.
It was the second time Kenya had upset one of the biggest teams in world cricket.
In 1996 at Poona, India, Tikolo and his team bowled West Indies out for 93 to win by 73 runs.
Veteran Sri Lankan batsman Aravinda de Silva, whose unbeaten 107 in the 1997 final against Australia won the title for Sri Lanka, put up some resistance with 41.
But the Sri Lankans, who had cruised to victories over New Zealand, Bangladesh and Canada, crumbled against the spin bowling of Obuya who removed virtually all their big names.
Because New Zealand had decided to forfeit its game over security fears, this was the only world cup game to be staged in Nairobi and the home team made the most of it.
After Ravindu Shah was trapped leg before wicket by Chaminda Vaas with the second ball of the match, the Kenyans made a bright start to their innings.
Bureau Report
The victory, which sparked scenes of wild jubilation both on and off the field, lifted Kenya to 12 points in Group B and a victory over Bangladesh at wanderers stadium Johannesburg on Saturday will give Steve Tikolo`s team a great chance of reaching the second round for the first time.
It was the second time Kenya had upset one of the biggest teams in world cricket.
In 1996 at Poona, India, Tikolo and his team bowled West Indies out for 93 to win by 73 runs.
Veteran Sri Lankan batsman Aravinda de Silva, whose unbeaten 107 in the 1997 final against Australia won the title for Sri Lanka, put up some resistance with 41.
But the Sri Lankans, who had cruised to victories over New Zealand, Bangladesh and Canada, crumbled against the spin bowling of Obuya who removed virtually all their big names.
Because New Zealand had decided to forfeit its game over security fears, this was the only world cup game to be staged in Nairobi and the home team made the most of it.
After Ravindu Shah was trapped leg before wicket by Chaminda Vaas with the second ball of the match, the Kenyans made a bright start to their innings.
Bureau Report