Classy Kenya cruise into Africa finals

Kenya have made it through to the next stage of the World Twenty20 Africa Qualifiers, after cruising through the Africa B Qualifying tournament, with a commanding display in Rwanda.

Their latest victory, against Tanzania, was sealed thanks to the first century of the tournament, struck by the powerful Alex Obanda, who pummelled 108 from just 61 balls on Friday. He had already enjoyed a fine tournament, with key contributions at the top of the order.

Obanda hit eight sixes, and as many fours, as he and Dhiren Gondaria (58) put on a strong opening stand of 113, inside 13 overs. Obanda was the only other wicket to fall for the Kenyans, as they eventually made their way to yet another score that breach the 200-mark, closing on 214 for two in their 20 overs.

Tanzania faced a mountain of runs, and they were soon under scoreboard pressure. Opener Jittin Singh lasted three balls before he was ousted, but there was a strong fightback from the middle and lower order.

Muhammad Khan struck feisty 33, while skipper Kassim Mussa weighed in with 35 not out. There were some late fireworks from Salum Ally, who blazed 48 from just 26 balls, to make the final analysis a lot more palatable for the Tanzanians. They finished on 158 for eight.

Ultimately, Kenya ran out winners by 56 runs, to maintain their peerless form this week. For Tanzania, there was plenty of pride in the chase, even if the result seemed like a formality.

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Scores in brief:

Kenya 214 for two (A Obanda 108, D Gondaria 58, R Patel 33 not out)

Tanzania 158 for eight ( S Ally 48, K Mussa 35 not out, M Khan 33)

Kenya won by 56 runs

Points Table:

Fixtures:

Friday 13th July

1:50pm Rwanda vs Uganda

Saturday 14th July

9:30am Tanzania vs Rwanda
1:50pm Uganda vs Kenya