Peerless Tikolo Steers His Side To Kenya Legends T20 Victory
Team Red skippered by former national team player Steve Tikolo celebrate after clinching the inaugural Kenya Legends T20 match at Sikh Union in Nairobi on Sunday evening. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO
NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Kenya team captain Steve Tikolo produced a superlative performance to steer his Team Red side to victory at the inaugural Kenya Legends T20 match staged at the Sikh Union Grounds in Nairobi on Sunday.
Team Red won the star-studded encounter with 6 wickets after notching 122 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in the 20 overs.
In reply, Team Green, also skippered by former Kenya team captain Aasif Karim, scored 119 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the 20 overs.
Tikolo dazzled with his hard-hitting shots that won him the Man of the Match award in the nostalgic encounter. The Nigerian national team head coach had an amazing 47 runs off 32 balls. He was closely followed by team mate Andrew Mboya who had 38 runs off 33 balls.
Mboya won the Most Sixes and the Batsman awards. Maurice Odumbe bagged the Best Fielder gong while the Best Bowler went to Karim.
Team Red’s David Obuya (left) and David Tikolo in action at the ‘Clash of the Legends’ match staged at Sikh Union in Nairobi on Sunday. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO
Despite giving Kenyans nostalgic memories of when the country was on top of the world, the spectacular showpiece was also characterized with a couple of injuries as Team Green’s Zafir Din had to be rushed to the hospital after dislocating his ankle.
While savouring their sweet victory, Tikolo hailed his side for the great unity that ensured they delivered the glittering trophy home.
“I’m happy my side crossed the line to emerge champions. We were able to perform well individually through reading the game.
“Our plan was just to restrict them when we bowled first so that they don’t score too many runs, and when we came in to bat, it was about us occupying the crease more,” Tikolo told Standard Sports.
While giving secrets to his high scoring antics, Tikolo stated: “I did what is called shot selections. I was judging the balls to score off the runs, and balls that were not easy to score off. I was playing defensive.”
Tikolo stated that working in tandem with the Nigeria national team has helped him to maintain his amazing fitness that was above par compared to others on the ground.
“Before this game, I also had two training sessions in Ruaraka, so I’m good, the body is feeling OK,” he underlined.
Team Green captain Aasif Karim receives his Best Bowler award after the crunch encounter. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO
Tikolo explained the injuries experienced in the game were normal as many have not been involved in intense training over the years.
While giving his assessment of the match, Karim insisted it was cricket that won on the day.
“This match was all about bringing former players together, so all the teams won. As former players, we will chart the way forward on how to help the upcoming generation and take the sport to the next level as our game has suffered for a very long time,” he stated.
Unlike Tikolo who oozed fitness, Karim joked that he will have to book for a massage to restore his weary nerves after the grand encounter on the pitch that saw his side emerge runners up.
Organisers who ensured the match run smoothly, they thanked various sponsors for coming on board to support the inagural ‘Clash of the Legends.’ PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO
The sensational match was organized by three passionate cricket stakeholders and they included Chidambaran Subramanian, Kamaljeeth Singh and Kalpesh Solanki.
“We are happy the game went very smoothly, the legends were able to show us how best they were in the game, we are grateful to sponsors who came on board to make this dream a reality,” Subramanian highlighted.
Sponsors who made the game possible were Radio FM 44, Nairobi Sports House, Filmline Limited and Bank of Baroda.
Others on board were Red Star Enterprises Limited, Sunshine Travel and Tours, Zayan Agencies Limited and Suvi Racing.
