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Kenya sets eyes on beating Hong Kong in Cricket League tie

Xinhua, November 17, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Kenya team is ready for its biggest challenge in over six years as it sets sight on beating the Hong Kong side in the fourth round of International Cricket Council World Cricket League Championship match to be played in Nairobi starting Friday.

The last time Kenya played host to such an event was back in 2011, when it played against United Arab Emirates in the ICC Intercontinental Cup and the World Cricket League.

However, poor security in the region, especially Kenya, and loss of form saw most matches taken abroad, and most elite players who have years of experience playing led by Alex Obanda, Elijah Otieno, Nehemiah Odhiambo and Nelson Odhiambo are happy at the prospects.

"It is a great step forward and we all want the best for the team. It is time we started winning and hopefully we will be back to where we want to be with the big boys soon," said Obanda, who making a return to the team after ICC World Cricket League Championship.

Kenya is currently fifth in the league standing with six points, three points behind fourth placed Hong Kong. Should they win against their visitors, the host will add four points taking them fourth place in the standings.

Kenya will play two matches against Hong Kong. The top four teams in the World Cricket League will qualify to play in the 2018 world cup qualifiers.

As host, Kenya has an upper hand against their rivals. It is coached by Thomas Odoyo, a former international, who was part of the playing unit when Kenya reached the 2003 World Cup semifinals in South Africa. Endit