Obuya upbeat as Kenya set for an epic battle with high ranked Nepal at Nairobi Gymkhana
(March 19, 2011 – Source: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images AsiaPac)
NAIROBI, Kenya- Ladies and gentlemen, I’m glad to tell you to put on your dancing shoes because international cricket is finally back to the Kenyan shores after a three year hiatus.
The last time the country hosted an international engagement was in 2019 against visiting Hong Kong who won by 5 wickets at the Nairobi Gymkhana.
The well refurbished venue is again ready to host the high ranked Nepal, who jetted into the country on Tuesday, in a five Twenty20 (T20) International, to be contested between the two nations from this Thursday to next Tuesday.
The two old foes will then battle in a three One Day International (ODI) from September 2 to 5 at the same location.
Former Kenya international David Obuya was on Tuesday upbeat as he made 20 new young call-ups to blend with the senior and experienced players in the national team ahead of the eight day feverpitch showpiece in the Kenyan capital.
“I’m fully focused on the T20 .This will be a full international outing recognized by the world cricket governing body, the ICC,” the former right handed wicket keeper told Sports Desk.
“The T20 will be a first class game since Nepal have come with their top ranked players and I have planned to field only the seniors and experienced charges in this challenge.
“If we beat Nepal then we will get more points and this will improve Kenya’s ICC ranking since our opponents are highly placed at position 13 in the T20 and 19 in the ODI globally,” Obuya underlined.
As for the three day ODI, Obuya will use the competition to introduce his new call-ups to the national team and international cricket.
“The boys are the future of the game. They are the feeders to the national team, so this is basically meant to increase depth in the squad.
“I will blend about six to seven boys with the seniors and the experienced players on a day to day basis to give the new call ups exposure,” the coach underscored.
Ahead of the crunch tie with Nepal, Obuya is working tirelessly to tighten his late batting order as his charges have not been getting enough partnerships from number seven downwards.
“This is the reason I have brought in Nehemiah Odhiambo (Swamibapa SC), Nelson Odhiambo (Kanbis SC) and Lucas Oluoch (Nairobi Gymkhana) to beef up the team because of their experience.
“I have planned to use the trio as all round bowlers so they can strengthen our batting towards the end,” Obuya explained.
Obuya reiterated that the upcoming challenge against Nepal will be basically a continuation build-up of their impressive run in the ICC 50 overs World Cup Qualifiers in Jersey, United Kingdom where Kenya won four out of five matches they played that propelled the country to the next stage of the qualifications.
Apart from Jersey, the country recently took part in T20 build up matches and the ICC World Cup Qualifiers 50 overs Challenge B contests in Uganda and the Africa T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Rwanda.
After the showdown with Nepal at the Gymkhana, Kenya will be out to tick its full bucket list that has a full in-tray comprising a T20 local series and an Afro T20 tournament in South Africa next month.
The national U-19 team is also set for an ICC World Cup qualifier in Nigeria on August 28 to September 14.
QUOTE
“Hosting Nepal is a very big move for Kenya. It is going to bring back the flare, the flavor and the fever in the game locally and internationally,” Kenya cricket team head coach David Obuya.
UTILITIES
Kenya overview
– 5 World Cup appearances.
– Semifinalists in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.
– Best ever ranking; 12th in the T20 and 10th in the ODI globally.
Nepal Overview
– Qualified for the 2014 T20 World cup.
– Currently ranked 13th in T20 and 19th in ODI globally.
– Skipper Sandeep Lamichhane is an all-league player in the IPL, Big Bash and CPL.
