Maqsood's 58 helps Oman finish on a high
Kenya finished without a win after five matches, while Oman completed a consolation victory in Windhoek
ESPNcricinfo staff
14-Feb-2018
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Oman finished their WCL Division Two campaign on a high after completing a two-wicket win against Kenya in Windhoek. Chasing 183 (adjusted by D/L method) after bowling Kenya out for 200, Oman's lower-middle order rallied together to see their team through with five balls to spare.
Kenya finished the tournament without a win, but came close to victory against Oman. Fighting twenties from Mohammad Nadeem (20) and Jay Odedra (23*) ensured, however, that Oman finished on top. Their chase started off well despite losing an early wicket. Zeeshan Maqsood's 58 took Oman close to hundred, but a middle-order collapse saw them reduced to 138 for 6 in the 30th over. The lower order, however, kept stitching together useful partnerships to keep Oman's run-chase on course, and a late flurry from Kaleemullah (five-ball 11) saw Oman through.
Kenya, though, started poorly batting first. Kaleemullah's three wickets and one from Fayyaz Butt reduced them to 36 for 4 in the 13th over. A small recovery later, Kenya were back to struggling at 87 for 6 with half their innings yet to go. That's when No. 6 Rakep Patel stepped up for Kenya, making 72-ball 59 with assistance from the captain Shem Ngoche (29) and Emmanuel Bundi (22) and helped them reach 200.
Maqsood held Oman's chase together despite wickets falling regularly. Left-arm spinner Hiren Varaiya was Kenya's star with the ball, collecting 3 for 28 and almost sent Oman packing with three late wickets, but the batting team's lower order applied themselves well enough to cross the line in the 42nd and final over.