Cricket World Cup dreams in front of teams as Challenge League cycle begins
Kenya and Kuwait claim opening day victories as second edition of competition begins, as part of the pathway to Cricket World Cup 2027.
By Daniel Beswick
The second cycle of the Cricket World Cup Challenge League has begun in Kenya, with the competition providing part of the pathway for ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.
A total of 90 50-over matches will be played across the cycle, with the 12 teams split into two groups. Each team will play a total of 15 matches each across three competition legs, with the winner and runner-up of each group progressing to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off. The matches are classed as List A fixtures.
The Groups
League A: Denmark, Jersey, Kenya, Kuwait, Papua New Guinea, Qatar
League B: Bahrain, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, Tanzania, Uganda
League A action kicked off the competition on Wednesday, with wins for Kuwait and Kenya over Denmark and Jersey respectively.
The hosts under captain Shem Ngoche were close to their best against Jersey at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi, claiming the key wicket of Harrison Carlyon early (2), eventually bowling out Chuggy Perchard's side for just 207.
In reply, Kenya did take an early stumble with the top three members of the batting order dismissed between 10 and 20, though the calm and class of Irfan Karim (58) and the power of Rakep Patel (84* from 76 balls) stabilised the chase, as the hosts passed the target with 67 balls to spare.
Kenya v Jersey | Challenge League A | Match Highlights
Four kilometres up the road in the Kenyan capital, Kuwait chased down 309 in a rollercoaster day at the Gymkhana Ground.
Mohammad Aslam's side had Denmark cornered at 38/4 and 104/7, only for Saif Ahmed 140 (109) and the Danish tail to counter, putting up 308 in spite of Yasin Patel's 5/48 from 10 overs with his left-arm orthodox.
Oliver Hald (48 off 35 balls) and Jonas Henriksen (39* from 64) played significant roles with Saif, and the trio were also the Danes' best with the ball, claiming eight wickets between them.
The efforts of the three were not enough, however, with Usman Patel's 120 (97) setting up a successful Kuwaiti chase.
Shiraz Khan (19* from 14) and Sayed Monib (21* from 14) finished the job, completing the chase with four balls to spare.
Denmark v Kuwait | Men's CWC Challenge League A | Match Highlights
Qatar and Papua New Guinea, the other two teams in League A, begin their campaign on Thursday, against Jersey and Denmark respectively.
League B's first leg is scheduled for 5-16 November in Uganda.