Aus (Thandamilk) vs Kenya (Krish)
Aus (Thandamilk) vs Kenya (Krish)
at Kokata, India
Toss: Kenya
AUS 100 all out in 15.0
Clarke 31 (21), Hussey 31 (21), Ogunde 2/4, Verenya 3/43
Lost to
Kenya 103/4 in 12.3
Onyegi 48 (30), Tikolo 42 (33)
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Kenya continued their giant killing ways in the tourney, accounting for Australia in their first tourney match. In the hands of new coach, mentor, guide and philosopher Krish, call the Kenyans minnows at your own risk.
Kenya won the toss and put the Aussies into bat. In the blink of an eyelid, the Aussies were 4 down for 8 and there was just no recovering from that. Hussey and Clarke provided some resistance but in the scheme of things this was just the most pathetic batting display against a side that is perfecting the art of setting tight (but not unfair) fields and then bowling to them.
The Aussies probably aimed too high, attacked too much and got out for at least 50-60 runs less than what they should have gotten had they not committed harakiri in the first 3 overs. They might not have won even with a score of 150-160, but at least they would not have embarassed themselves.
Kenya did lose a couple of early wickets in chase of 100, at one point being 20/3. However, both the Kenyans and the Aussies knew that the match had been won and lost in the Aussie innings. The Kenyans cruised along to their target not taking many risks, Aussies trying their best to limit the NRR damage this match would do to them.
Overall, a complete and thorough dismantling of a team feared in the past by an up and coming side that has all the makings of a champion. Groups A & B, watch out for a new force called Krish's Kenya.
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A comment on field settings. Krish did have his fields up during the first 6 overs, but given the rules of the tourney I didn't think they were unfair. I lost 4 wickets in the first 3 overs, trying to find gaps in the fields. All wickets though were on account of slight mistimes going to mid on, or slogs that didn't clear the infield.
Did I feel frustrated? Yes. Cheated? Not at all. Would I prefer tourney rules that require a fielder or two outside the circle even during the first 6 overs? Yes.
LAF & Krish: Am sorry to note you guys had a disagreement on your match. Both of you are fantastic players and deserve a cracking contest with each other.
