Kuwait produced a commanding performance with bat and ball to defeat Kenya by 150 runs in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League A at Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi on Wednesday, strengthening their campaign in the final round of the competition.
Kuwait posted an imposing 367 for nine in their 50 overs, led by a power-hitting session innings from Ravija Sandaruwan, who struck 162 off 114 balls, including 18 fours and eight sixes. His innings provided the foundation for Kuwait’s substantial total and proved decisive in a match that Kenya needed to win after previous closely lost matches.
Sandaruwan shared an important partnership with Clinto Anto, who scored 47 from 32 deliveries, before captain Mohammed Aslam added 34 off 55 balls. Ali Zaheer contributed 32 from 31 deliveries, while Yasin Patel provided a late flourish with 24 off just 11 balls as Kuwait accelerated in the closing overs.
Kenya’s Shem Ngoche was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 49 runs from his 10 overs. Lucas Oluoch claimed two for 46, while Dhiren Gondaria also took two wickets. However, Kuwait’s scoring rate remained high, with the visitors adding valuable runs through the middle and lower order who took over the power-hitting rhythm to finish on 367 for nine.
Kenya’s chase began positively, but regular wickets prevented the hosts from building the partnerships required to challenge the target. Subham Patel top-scored with 57 from 46 balls, including 10 fours and a six before being dismissed on an LBW. Sachin Gill contributed 29 off 30 deliveries and Shem Ngoche made 30 from 30 balls. Kenya were eventually dismissed for 217 in 43 overs after the efforts of experienced Shem Ngoche proved to be innifective with only one wicket remaining.
Mohammed Aslam led Kuwait’s bowling attack with four wickets for 33 runs from his 10 overs. Meet Bhavsar and Nimish Lathief claimed two wickets apiece, while Shiraz Khan and Ali Zaheer also struck to ensure Kenya’s resistance was short-lived. Kuwait’s optimistic approach with the ball secured a comprehensive victory after their powerful first-innings display.
Sandaruwan was named Player of the Match for his outstanding century, which set the tone for Kuwait’s performance. The result was particularly significant in a closely contested final round top two teams spot that progresses to the next stage of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup qualification pathway.
For Kenya, the defeat was a difficult setback after their earlier victory over Denmark and narrow losses to Qatar and Jersey. They will now look to respond in their remaining fixture against Papua New Guinea, while Kuwait will aim to carry their momentum into their next match against Papua New Guinea as well.
