Kenya, Champions of Africa (21 October 1998)

21 October 1998

Kenya, Champions of Africa

Rick Eyre in CricInfo365

A full-strength Kenyan side were too strong for all comers at the Castle African Cricket Association Cup in Namibia last week. The Alvin Kallicharan-coached side took the final on Saturday against a developmental Zimbabwean side by a crushing 138 runs.

Ravindra Shah scored 108 not out, and Kennedy Otieno 66, as Kenya blasted their way to 317 for 6 from their fifty overs. A bright start by the Zimbabwean openers did not last long, and after Mark Vermuelen was dismissed for 23, wickets fell regularly. Vermuelen's opening partner Douglas Marillier held his end up for 70 runs, but spinner Bhijal Patel took 5/38 from his ten overs as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 179.

Ravindru Shah was named man of the match while Hitesh Modi won man of the series, averaging 96.00 with the bat. South Africa's developmental team took third place in the tournament following their 90 run win over the home side on Friday.

The ACA decided that Kenya will host the next African Cricket Association Championships in 2000. It is understood that Kenya are considering fielding a developmental side in the manner of South Africa and Zimbabwe in the next championships. The ACA also decided to hold their next AGM in Lesotho in 1999.

Nigeria and Malawi were late withdrawals from the tournament.

Semi Finals: Zimbabwe def Namibia by 6 wkts; Kenya def South Africa by 90 runs.

Third-Place Playoff (Oct 16): South Africa 226/1 (50 overs), Namibia 136 (42.3 overs). South Africa won by 90 runs.

Final (Oct 17): Kenya 317/6 (50 overs), Zimbabwe 177 (48.1 overs). Kenya won by 140 runs.

Source :: CricInfo365