NAIROBI, Kenya, October 19- Collins Obuya hit 69 to help Kenya beat the United Arab Emirates by nine runs on Tuesday in Mombasa.
Shem Ngoche destryoyed the visitor’s batting order to secure victory at the Mombasa Sports Club ground and an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Obuya was insteadied the ship after Kenya’s openers fell early to quick bowler Shoaib Sarwar.
First, there was a 63-run partnership with veteran Steve Tikolo for the third wicket, after which he added 73 for the fourth with Mumbai-born 23-year-old Tanmay Mishra.
Kenya lost five wickets for nine runs to stumble to 175 for 8, 39-year-old left-arm spinner Mohammad Tauqir doing most of the damage. They were eventually bowled out for 204, with Tauqir taking 5 for 45, his best List A figures.
UAE lost opener Amjad Ali for 8, but Arshad Ali and Swapnil Patil steered them to a strong 82 for 1.
Then it was time for UAE to wobble, losing four quick wickets, before Arfan Haider (36) helped them claw back to 133 for 5.
It was anybody’s game at that stage, but Kenya took control with three wickets for 23 runs. Tauqir nearly saved UAE with a quickfire 30 which evened the game at 187 for 8, but Kenya managed to pick the final two wickets and close out a narrow victory.
The third of the four one-dayers is on Thursday.
