Kenya wasted a golden platform created by the in-form Alex Obanda to stumble to defeat to Namibia in the second and final ICC World Cricket League Championship match at the United Cricket Club in Windhoek Namibia.
Obanda’s knock of 70 from 67 deliveries led the attack superbly after Namibia put in the visitors to bat and despite the early loss of fellow opener Duncan Allan (4), Obanda and Irfan Karim put on a second wicket stand of 80 runs to move Kenya to 113 for 2 before Karim was caught and bowled by Christi Viljoen.
Kenya will rue the missed chance to grab all the points on offer against Namibia. From a solid position of 113 for 2 in 19.1 overs the Kenyans middle-order collapse saw them end up with a relatively reachable target of 188.
Skipper Collins Obuya’s 26 was the only total above 20 after the dismissal of Obanda. Viljoen was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 40. Nelson Odhiambo, Nehemiah Odhiambo and Collins Obuya picked a wicket each for Kenya as Namibia cruised to a 7-wicket win with 8 overs to spare.
The Kenyans were again guilty of spilling some easy chances that let Namibia off the hook earlier on. Craig Williams 59 and Sarel Burger 41 shared an unbroken 4th wicket partnership of 78 runs.
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