Birkenstock class keeps Namibia on the winning trail
- Birkenstock’s innovative 59 sets up win over Uganda
- Kenya ease past Ghana as Rakep Patel smashes 55 of 27 balls
- Nigeria down Botswana in low scoring match at Lugogo
Namibia were the big winners on the second day of action in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Final on Tuesday, outplaying hosts Uganda in the main game.
Having skipped to 53 for four, Namibia needed a stand from someone. Cue Karl Birkenstock, with an outrageous knock of 59 from just 28 balls. He smashed four sixes in the process, but also mixed that power with some deft reverse sweeps and deflections.
There was also support from Christi Viljoen (33), as Namibia posted a competitive 168 for seven.
That target was too far for the hosts, who capitulated to the pressure exerted by Viljoen, with the ball this time.
After his runs, he then snapped up four for 15, as Uganda were restricted to 125 for eight.
Nigeria opened their account when they got the better of Botswana by just 11 runs. Runs and wickets from Isaac Danladi were the key, as he made a measured 37 from 34 balls, while Abiola Ayannaike chipped in with 33.
Though the West African middle-order collapsed from 94 for four to 119 all out, they had given their bowlers something to work with.
Adithiya Rangaswamy was the spark for the collapse, taking four for 21 while Dhruv Maisuira took three for 17 on his international debut.
Danladi, like most of the Nigerian seamers, was then a thorn with his accurate off-spin. He took two for 23, after Isaac Okpe had kicked things off with an excellent spell of two for 17. In the final analysis, Botswana were kept to 108 for seven, to lose by just 11 runs.
In the third game of the day, Kenya tackled Ghana, and got the better of their opponents comfortably.
Batting first, Kenya flicked and bashed their way to 141 for five, with Rakep Patel (55 from 27 balls) and veteran Collins Obuya (34 from 43 balls) doing the bulk of the scoring.
While Patel carted four sixes, Obuya was the mainstay, ensuring that Kenya remained solid.
In response, Ghana were rolled over for 88. Pushpak Kerai cleaned up with three for 15, and Lucas Oluoch nabbed two for just 6. Their spells assured Kenya's 53-run victory.
In the West African derby this morning, Nigeria posted 135 at Kyambogo. Ghana are currently 51 for six in the 11th over.
Scores in brief
Namibia 167 for seven ( K Birkenstock 59, C Viljoen 33)
Uganda 125 for eight (C Viljoen four for 15)
Namibia won by 42 runs
Nigeria 119 all out ( I Danladi 37, A Ayannaike 33, A Rangaswamy four for 21, D Maisuria three for 17)
Botswana 108 for seven (I Okpe two for 17, I Danladi two for 23)
Nigeria won by 11 runs
Kenya 141 for five (R Patel 55, C Obuya 34, I Aboagye three for 26)
Ghana 88 all out (P Kerai three for 15, L Oluoch two for 6)
Kenya won by 53 runs
Fixtures
Thursday 23 May****
Kyambogo
9:30am Botswana vs Kenya
1:50pm Uganda vs Ghana
Lugogo
1:50am Nigeria vs Namibia
Friday 24 May
Kyambogo
9:30am Ghana vs Botswana
1:50pm Namibia vs Kenya
Lugogo
1:50pm Nigeria vs Uganda