Cricket: Tight loss: Bahrain bow to host Kenya in first of two 50-over fixtures

CRICKET – Bahrain’s senior men’s cricket national team were dealt a narrow defeat against Kenya last night in the first of two 50-over fixtures this week in Nairobi.

The hosts pulled off a sensational three-wicket victory over the visitors at Gymkhana Club Ground in the Kenyan capital, chasing down 251 with more than six overs to spare.

Electing to bowl first, Kenya restricted Bahrain to 250/9, thanks to Yash Talati’s impressive four-wicket haul (4/37) and disciplined bowling. Sohail Ahmed had 52 runs for the Bahrainis.

Kenya’s chase got off to a nightmare start, slipping to 33/4 inside nine overs. But Sukhdeep Singh produced a breathtaking, unbeaten knock of 140 off 121 balls (11 fours, seven sixes) to single-handedly rescue his side.

Captain Nelson Mandela Odhiambo provided vital support with a quickfire 67, while Lucas Oluoch Nndandason finished the job with an unbeaten 40 off 24 balls.

The victory was sealed in the 44th over, marking one of Kenya’s finest come-from-behind wins in recent memory.

The two teams are scheduled to face off once again in a second 50-over match, scheduled to take place tomorrow.

The two contests follow a pair of T20 internationals played last week – the first of which was claimed by Bahrain by 15 runs and the second won by Kenya by a single wicket.

Bahrain’s pair of 50-over contests are part of the ICC CWC Challenge League B campaign.

They are led in Nairobi by team captain Asif Ali, as they look to build on their recent momentum, showcase their progress on the international stage, and compete with pride as they continue their journey towards success in world cricket.

Joining Ali and Ahmed in their matches against Kenya are vice-captain Prashant Kurup, Ahmer Bin Nasir, Ali Dawood, Fiaz Ahmed, Junaid Niazi, Muhammad Safdar, Shujat Khan, Amaish Rana, Abdul Majid, Imran Anwar, Asif Shaikh, and Muhammad Rizwan.