Kenya 140ao (46.2 overs), Obuya 26, Sharif 3/33, Sole 2/20 lost to Scotland 145/2 (28 overs), MacLeod 56*, Coetzer 52 by 8 wickets [Scorecard]
The men’s national team today secured their place in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe next year with a convincing 8 wicket win over Kenya at the Dubai International Stadium.
Kyle Coetzer and Calum MacLeod made light work of the chase as the Scotland captain struck a fluent 52 from 62 deliveries, while MacLeod finished unbeaten on 56 as they made light work of the target.
Matthew Cross departed for 2 early in the Scotland reply as he edged a good delivery from Emmanual Ringera to wicket-keeper Karim with the score on 20.
Captain Coetzer was unfortunate to not be there at the end as he was smartly caught in the covers in his 87 run-stand with MacLeod.
Richie Berrington came to the crease and ensured a brisk finish as he clubbed 29 runs from 21 deliveries, which included 2 sixes, as the Scots won with 132 deliveries remaining.
Earlier, Safyaan Sharif continues his good form on the tour with figures of 3/38, collecting the wicket of Rushab Patel from the 5th ball of the innings, after Scotland won the toss and elected to field.
Wickets fell at regular intervals and Kenya were also dealt a blow when they lost Alex Obanda who was forced to retire hurt in the 17th over with his side 34/3.
Chris Sole was impressive with 2/20 and claiming the wicket of James Ngoche with an excellent delivery that nipped back outside off to hit the top of middle stump.
Sharif and Sole were backed up well by the other bowlers as Berrington, Mark Watt and Michael Leask all claimed a wicket each to dismiss Kenya for 140 in the 47th over.
At the end of the game Sharif said, “It’s a great feeling to get the win, in what we considered a ‘must win’ game, to qualify for the World Cup Qualifiers next year.
We produced another solid team performance with our key individuals standing up when it counted most.
We’ve had a decent tour so far and we want to continue our form going into the final game on Friday.”
The two teams will battle it out again on Friday at the same venue.
