Magnificant Tikolo puts Kenya in control
Ireland face an uphill struggle after day one of the Intercontinental Cup final against Kenya after spending most of yesterday chasing leather around the Wanderers Sports Club in Windhoek
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Veteran batsmen Steve Tikolo and Hitesh Modi milked the Irish bowling, putting on a fourth wicket stand of 267, an all-time record for any partnership against Ireland. Modi eventually fell, caught and bowled by Andy White, for 106 while Tikolo stayed until the end, unbeaten on 177.
In all, Kenya amassed 401 runs for the loss of just four wickets, giving them a points lead of 8-2, which comes into play in the (likely) event that the game ends in a draw. The pitch is so flat and so suited to batting that one cannot see how either side will be able to bowl their opponents out twice inside three days.
As such, it was a crucial toss to win and unfortunately for Ireland, skipper Trent Johnston lost it and found himself in the field. From his own point of view, the big fast bowler did well early on, putting the ball in the right areas and taking the wicket of Tony Suji. But not long before the lunch break, Johnston broke a finger while fielding and had to go off and get an X-ray. When he returned, strapped up and full of pain-killers, he bowled one more over for 18 runs and quickly left the field again for the rest of the day.
It was a big blow for Ireland, particularly as none of the other bowlers was looking as dangerous or consistent as Johnston. Kyle McCallan was the pick of the rest but his 24 overs still cost more than three runs apiece.
But it was a day for batsmen with Tikolo and Modi showing exactly how it should be done. Their timing, shot selection and concentration made sure that any width afforded them by the Irish attack was severely punished.
Ireland started their innings positively with Jeremy Bray looking in good form. But not long before the close they lost Dominick Joyce lbw to Thomas Odoyo for 5. They eventually finished the day 37 for 1, some 364 runs behind. All to do.
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