Team USA have gone down fighting in a low scoring match against Kenya.
The toss was always going to be vital given the green nature of the wicket, and being summarily inserted by Kenya after Rakep Patel called correctly put the US on the back foot immediately. Just like the USA did yesterday against Nepal, the Kenyan bowlers made early use of the conditions by bowling testing lines. Unlike the USA yesterday however, they had immediate success.
Syed Abdullah, USA’s top scorer against Nepal, was trapped in front from the first ball of the match, and things only got worse from there. Ravi Timbawala chipped one to square leg in the next over, whilst Sagar Patel was dismissed in the 4th leaving the US reeling at 8 for 3. Ibrahim Khaleel and Camilus Alexander then combined for the largest partnership of the innings – unfortunately it was only worth 16 runs, signifying how tough it was in the middle.
Only Timil Patel and Adil Bhatti made it to double figures, and the US were bundled out for 63 in the 19th over. The chief destroyer was Emmanuel Bundi Ringera, the Kenyan quick finished with the very special figures of 5 for 25.
After winning the toss this morning, Kenya have been outstanding with the ball and Team USA have struggled on a pitch offering plenty to the bowlers.
??63 All Out inside 20 overs
LIVE Match Center: https://t.co/7bUAu9esPA #USAvKEN #WeAreUSACricket pic.twitter.com/eGHXSQTkpQ— USA Cricket (@usacricket) December 2, 2017
In reply it was equally difficult for the Kenyans, who lost 6 wickets on their way to the target, but 63 was simply too few for the US to defend in the end. Elmore Hutchinson struck in the first over and finished with 2 for 20. The other bowlers all took 1 wicket each.
Ibrahim Khaleel confirming just how difficult it was for batsmen… “It was the same wicket as yesterday, a green top, and was doing quite a bit and was helpful for the bowlers… 16 wickets in 35 overs indicates just how tough it was.”
So a tough day for USA, but they now have a day off before their first match against Oman on December 4th.
Team USA will depart for Oman tomorrow where they have a series of three matches against Oman in their first ever games in the Gulf State.
