Kenya faces tough Dutch test chance of redemption

Kenya will know if they will remain in the competition for a 2015 World Cup berth in Australia and New Zealand on Thursday.

Kenya faces Netherlands in a crucial qualifier at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, New Zealand, which they must win convincingly and hope Namibia beat Papua New Guinea.

If Namibia does not win, Kenya will not only miss out on the World Cup but also lose her ODI status.

Therefore, Kenya’s win against the Dutch alone will not guarantee them a place in the super-six stage.

Their fate will be determined mathematically as the two sides will have tied on points, four a piece, and the team to proceed will be determined on run rate. Namibia have already secured themselves a place in the super-six stage.

If Papua New Guinea lose and Kenya beat the Dutch with a big margin, then the three teams will be sharing points, four a piece. Thus, the two with superior net run rates will join Namibia in the next level.

Steve Tikolo’s players have themselves to blame for the dangerous situation they find themselves in after their lacklustre performance in the opening matches.

Former Kenyan captain, Jimmy Kamande, said Thursday’s game could go either way. “Kenya has a chance of winning but the Dutch have been playing well lately,” Kamande said. “First game of an event is very important as its outcome either increases or reduces the pressure on a team.”

So far, Kenya’s batsmen have not put an all-round performance.  The two openers, Arfan karim and Alex Obanda have not shared any meaningful stand.

Specialised batsmen must rise to the occasion and remove pressure from the middle and tail-enders. Karim and Obanda will lead batting attack with Morris Ouma, Collins Obuya, Tikolo, Thomas Odoyo, Rakep Patel, Hiren Varaiya, Lameck Onyango, Ragheb Aga and Nelson Odhiambo in support.

Kenya’s bowling appears to be at its weakest point as the bowlers have failed to defend targets set by the batsmen.

Nevertheless, Martin Suji, the team’s technical assistant, and assistant coach Odoyo have had time to talk to the opening bowlers, Nehemiah Odhiambo and Elijah Otieno. 

Suji and Odoyo were fiery opening bowlers for Kenya for many years and were equally good with the bat.