Kenya

Cricket in Kenya has a unique story, interwoven with moments of brilliance and a journey strewn with challenges. The Kenya national cricket team first made its presence known in the international cricket scene in 1951, though it was not until the 1990s that they carved a niche for themselves on the global stage. Kenya gained its first major recognition when it played in the ICC Trophy, with their crowning glory coming in 1996. This was when they stunned the cricketing world by defeating West Indies in the Cricket World Cup, a truly seismic event for a team not even granted Test status.

Kenya’s crowning achievement came during the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup. With spirited performances and a touch of flair, they reached the semi-finals, a feat beyond their wildest expectations. The likes of Steve Tikolo, with his reliable batting and astute leadership, and Collins Obuya, who spun his way into the spotlight, were pivotal in this celebrated campaign. These figures didn’t just make runs or take wickets; they gave hope to a generation of Kenyan cricket enthusiasts.

In terms of rivalries, Kenya and Uganda have an intriguing encounter whenever they face off. While not fierce in the way of some legendary cricket rivalries, the matches often carry regional pride on their shoulders. Zimbabwe has also been a noteworthy opponent over the years.

The way Kenya plays cricket mirrors the bustling, vibrant culture of its people. The team has traditionally been marked by a gutsy style, underpinned by strong fielding and a fighting spirit. The players often exhibit flair in their batting, albeit with some inconsistency over the years.

Kenyan cricket has not been without its cultural influence, either. Often, cricket in Kenya has been part of a cultural melting pot, bringing communities together beyond ethnic divides, the game uniting fans around a shared love for the sport.

The Nairobi Gymkhana Club stands as a testament to the game’s roots, serving as both home ground and cricketing adoptive home to Kenya’s cricket lovers. The stands may not always be full, but those who turn up bring passion and fervour, creating an inspiring atmosphere for the players.

Though the path hasn’t always been smooth, with administrative woes and funding issues sometimes overshadowing on-field successes, the spirit of Kenyan cricket remains undaunted—ever hopeful, waiting for the next big breakthrough that might just be around the corner.

Nigeria tour of Kenya, 5th T20I, Twenty20 International - July 17, 2024

Kenya

156/6 (19.1)

Nigeria

155/8 (20)

Kenya won by 4 wickets (with 5 balls remaining)

Player of the Match

Francis Mutua

Nigeria tour of Kenya, 4th T20I, Twenty20 International - July 16, 2024

Kenya

144/8 (20)

Nigeria

158/5 (20)

Nigeria won by 14 runs

Player of the Match

Sulaimon Runsewe

Nigeria tour of Kenya, 3rd T20I, Twenty20 International - July 15, 2024

Kenya

149/7 (20)

Nigeria

150/7 (19.2)

Nigeria won by 3 wickets (with 4 balls remaining)

Player of the Match

Vincent Adewoye

Nigeria tour of Kenya, 2nd T20I, Twenty20 International - July 13, 2024

Kenya

137/6 (18.2)

Nigeria

136/8 (20)

Kenya won by 4 wickets (with 10 balls remaining)

Player of the Match

Rushab Patel

Nigeria tour of Kenya, 1st T20I, Twenty20 International - July 12, 2024

Kenya

159/6 (20)

Nigeria

130/9 (20)

Kenya won by 29 runs

Player of the Match

Sachin Bhudia

Collins Obuya
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Legbreak
Age: 43

Nehemiah Odhiambo
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 41

Rakep Patel
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 35

Elijah Otieno
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 37

Alex Obanda
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 37

Nelson Odhiambo
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 36

Shem Ngoche
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Slow Left Arm Orthodox
Age: 35

Irfan Karim
Position: Wicketkeeper
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 32

Lucas Oluoch
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Left Arm Fast Medium
Age: 33

Sachin Bhudia
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 26

Vraj Patel
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Slow Left Arm Orthodox
Age: 23

Emmanuel Bundi
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 31

Eugene Ochieng
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 32

Sukhdeep Singh
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 24

Rushab Patel
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 31

Neil Mugabe
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style:
Bowling Style:
Age: 24

Gerard Mwendwa
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 25

Jasraj Kundi
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 25

Peter Langat
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style:
Bowling Style:
Age: 24

Francis Mutua
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 23

Pushkar Sharma
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Left Arm Fast Medium
Age: 24

Morris Amollo Ouma
Position: Wicketkeeper
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 42

David Obuya
Position: Wicketkeeper
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 45

Tanmay Mishra
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 38

Steve Tikolo
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 53

Thomas Odoyo
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 46

Jimmy Kamande
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 46

Rajesh Bhudia
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 40

Peter Ongondo
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 48

Lameck Onyango
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 51

Tony Suji
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 49

Maurice Ouma
Position: Wicketkeeper
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 42

Ravindu Shah
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 52

Hiren Varaiya
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Slow Left Arm Orthodox
Age: 41

Seren Waters
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Legbreak
Age: 35

James Ngoche
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 37

Gymkhana Club Ground
City: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Capacity: 7000

Sikh Union Club Ground
City: Nairobi
Country: Kenya