NAIROBI, Kenya, October 15- A massive opening partnership from David Obuya and Alex Obanda helped Kenya beat Zimbabwe by 20 runs in the third One day International (ODI) on Thursday.
Kenya who won the toss and decided to bat was a different side to the one that featured in the previous ODIs especially in the bowling department.
Obuya (56) and Obanda (65) combined for 119 runs to set up an impressive victory for Kenya and to trail the five match series 2-1.
Another half century from David’s younger brother Collins (52) set Zimbabwe a target of
267 runs but Nehemiah Odhiambo put paid to those efforts with four wickets.
Collins’ emergence at the crease could not have been more timely when it seemed that another Kenyan batting collapse was inevitable due to the rapid dismissal of Steve Tikolo, Obanda, Rakep Patel and captain Maurice Ouma.
His total include three fours and two sixes before being run out by Graeme Cremer who also gave the same treatment to Jimmy Kamande who only managed 5 runs.
Veteran Thomas Odoyo made the most of his return to the side by taking two scalps alongside Hiren Varaiya who also claimed two wickets.
Odoyo showed why he was voted Associate Player of the Year two years ago by catching Zimbabwean opener Mark Vermeulen leg before for 6 of seven balls.
He was at it again two overs later when he clean bowled Charles Coventry leaving Zimbabwe at 19-2 in the fifth over.
The 31 year old also weighed in with the bat scoring 28 of 22 balls before being dispatched by Ray Price.
Odhiambo’s four wicket haul made up for his lack of runs especially with the prized scalp of Hamilton Masakadza for 44 runs.
Hiren Varaiya picked up from where he left off with two wickets of his own clean bowling Stuart Matsikenyeri and Brendan Taylor in quick succession.
The fourth ODI is set for Saturday.
