Tikolo bats Kenya to win over Uganda

• Ex-captain puts in fantastic show as hosts claim victory in Twenty20 clash

Kenya’s former captain, Steve Tikolo, knocked half a century in the opening game of the Twenty20 triangular series which Kenya beat Uganda by eight wickets at the Nairobi Gymkhana on Saturday.

It was the first win for Kenya against their East African neighbours in the short format of the game since 2007 when the two first met in a quadrangular tournament at the same venue. Uganda whitewashed Kenya 3-0 also at the Gymkhana last month.

Put in to bat by Kenya who won the toss and elected to field first, Uganda were restricted to 123 by the time they completed their allotted 20 overs with a wicket on hand. Roger MuKasa and Baig top scored for the side with 23 runs each and were supported by Frank Nsubuga with 22.

The wickets were shared among Hiren Varaiya (2-9), Jimmy Kamande ( 2-18), Nehemiah Odhianbo (2-28) and Shem Obado (2-33).

In reply Kenya were home and dry with two wickets and 17 balls on hand. Tikolo was Kenya’s highest runs getter with 63 which came off 44 deliveries with nine boundaries and a towering six.

He shared an opening partnership of 66 with David Obuya (24) which was broken when Davis Arinaitwe (1-26) had Obuya caught by Akbar Baig.

Tikolo also put on a second wicket stand of 48 with Alex Obanda who was unbeaten on 31, which pushed score from 66 to 114. The partnership was broken by Deus Muhumuza (1-23) who got Tikolo caught at long on by Thawithenwira.

Will join six others

Kenya and Scotland are using the series as a warm up for the Twenty20 World Cup qualifiers slated for Dubai from February 9 where the two teams will join six others in the United Arab Emirates.

The eight sides will fight for the two slots reserved for non Test playing countries in the Twenty 20 World Cup set for the Caribbean from April 30 to May 16.

Uganda take on Scotland on Sunday at the Gymkhana as Kenya take a break until Monday when they meet the Scots.