Tikolo's ton gives Kenya a draw

India A 492 (Jadhav 260, Dhoni 78, Rayudu 50, Ongondo 5-90) drew with Kenya 356 (Tikolo 156, Ouma 58)
Scorecard

Steve Tikolo warmed up for the ICC Champions Trophy with a superb innings of 156 which allowed Kenya to frustrate India A in the final first-class match of their tour at the Simba Union. In response to India A's massive total of 492, Kenya made 356 before both captains agreed to a stalemate with 20 overs remaining in the day's play.

Tikolo's knock spanned 286 balls, and a third-wicket partnership of 151 with Morris Ouma ensured that Kenya wouldn't suffer the indignity of the follow on. Ouma made 58 before being bowled by Sridharan Sriram.

There were also useful contributions from Lameck Onyango - whose 48 took just 41 balls and included four towering sixes off Ramesh Powar - and Kennedy Obuya (23). The improved batting display would have greatly encouraged the Kenyans, whose preparation for the Champions Trophy has been plagued by indifferent form, and the loss of Maurice Odumbe - banned for allegedly fixing matches.

For India A, it was a satisfactory conclusion to a tour that included an emphatic victory in the Tri Series that also featured Pakistan A. In Mahendra Dhoni and Shib Shankar Paul, they unearthed two talents who will surely be contending for a senior slot soon. As for Tikolo and his team, they have been grouped along with India and Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, and will play their first match on September 11, against India at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.