India A trounce Kenya despite Shah's efforts
Despite Ravindu Shah's entertaining 90, Kenya suffered a six-wicket defeat against India A at the Gymkhana Club Ground in Nairobi
Wisden Cricinfo staff
18-Aug-2004
Despite Ravindu Shah's entertaining 90, Kenya suffered a six-wicket defeat against India A at the Gymkhana Club Ground in Nairobi. This was Kenya's third loss in as many matches and their hopes of entering the final now hinge on their final league game against Pakistan A on Friday.
Kenya made a fine start to their innings after opting to bat, with Kennedy Otieno and Shah racing along at a healthy pace. Even after Otieno fell, sweeping uppishly to square leg, Hitesh Modi filled in responsibly and along with Shah took the score to 153 for 1.
But the Indian spinners put the brakes after the 35th over and none of the batsmen provided the final kick. The last seven batsmen contributed just 21 between them and Sridharan Sriram finished with four wickets with his part-time left-arm spin. Ramesh Powar, the offspinner, joined in the act, snared three wickets to help keep Kenya down to just 216.
Deeraj Jadhav, the Maharashtra opener who was the highest scorer in the Ranji Trophy last season, piloted the chase with a composed 76. The rest of the top-order batsmen chipped in with vital contributions and India A coasted home with more than ten overs to spare. Sriram's plucky 35, off 30 balls, along with his bowling exploits, won him the Man-of-the-Match award.