CO Obuya

It was the day of the Michaels in Bangalore as Clarke and Hussey helped Australia post a comfortable 60 run victory over the Kenyans despite an unbeaten 98 from Collins Obuya thus almost guaranteeing them a place in the knockout stage. But it was a disappointing day out for the Aussie bowlers as they failed to run through a struggling Kenyan lineup as the African nation posted their highest score in a World Cup.

Australia, welcoming back Michael Hussey in the lineup, decided to bat after winning the toss and Shane Watson started off in a hurry as he struck two boundaries and a six of the second over of the innings. Watson had made 21 of 17 deliveries before he got out trying to chase a wide ball from Odhiambo. Haddin and Ponting put on 91 runs for the second wicket as Haddin got out trying to clear the midwicket region. Ricky Ponting failed to convert his good start yet again as he was trapped in front by Collins Obuya and White was bowled by a ball that turned sharply to leave the Aussies reeling at 143/4. That brought in the dependable Michael Hussey to the centre as he added a quick 114 run partnership with Clarke in 97 balls. Hussey departed for 54 but Clarke continued his sublime form as he began to accelerate and made 93 of 80 balls before holing out in the penultimate over as Australia finished with 324/6.

The Australian pacers continued their good showing in the tournament as Lee had Ouma caught behind and Obanda played all over a Tait express delivery as Kenya slumped to 21/2. The Obuya brothers brought some stability back into the innings before a mix-up resulted in the run out of David. The run rate dipped as Collins and Tanmay Mishra attempted to get Kenya to a decent score. Mishra scored a well made 72, his highest in ODI’s, and it required a run out to separate the duo. The asking run rate climbed to over ten per over and there was no way back for Kenya. But Collins Obuya carried on undisturbed as he put on another 86 runs with Thomas Odoyo. Odoyo fell for 35 while Obuya remained unbeaten on 98, two runs short of what would have been Kenya’s first century in World Cups. Kenya finished at 264/6, their highest score in a World Cup match while Collins Obuya’s knock fetched him the Man of the Match award.

The win ensured Australia stretched their unbeaten run in World Cups to 33 matches and their third win of the tournament meant that they now have one foot in the quarterfinals.

Tags: Australia, CO Obuya, Cricket, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Kenya, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, World Cup, World Cup 2011