Kenya v Scotland: Scots still ahead after two days

Mike Stanger reports on the cat-and-mouse character of the second day's play at the Gymkhana Stadium in Nairobi...

The task for Scotland’s batsmen on Day 2 of the four-day ICC Intercontinental Cup match against Kenya in Nairobi was straightforward enough: bat all day. Though the run rate was leisurely, Gordon Drummond’s troops almost achieved their aim, building a first-innings lead of 215.

Overnight, Qasim Sheikh (56*) and Richie Berrington (7*) had time to think about the task, and they proceeded at around 2.5 runs an over to a partnership of 102.

Having reached three figures off 192 balls, Sheikh (pictured) departed first - lbw coming well forward to off-spinner Steve Tikolo - having notched his third first-class century (two for Scotland in consecutive I-Cup games and one for Customs in Pakistan’s domestic competition in 2008). Sheikh’s innings of 108 was also a personal best for Scotland.

Berrington continued his watchful innings, perhaps mindful that in 25 games for Scotland his previous highest had been just 29.

Unfortunately, he did not get much support from the next three Scots at the other end. Majid Haq also came out of his crease defensively to be struck on the pad and given his jotters.

Without facing a ball, Simon Smith called Berrington for a quick single and got run out for his pains. And Drummond’s pull shot off Nehemiah Odhiambo skied to mid-on, where it was caught by the Kenya keeper Maurice Ouma, who had run 30 yards from behind the stumps!

Berrington (pictured left) was joined in a half-century partnership by Ross Lyons, both with a batting average of around 20 for Scotland! But, with his first  and very patient international half-century behind him, Berrington on 80 was beginning to eye up three figures when he fell, sweeping to deep backward square leg, where Odhioambo made no mistake.

Lyons became yet another victim of the defensive frame of mind, his tame shot squirting to short mid-wicket for 23 - his second highest for Scotland, and surely his most careful innings ever, off 93 balls. And two runs later Nel left Goudie stranded as the Scots ended their innings at 306.

Ouma decided not to open Kenya’s second innings, perhaps to be able to control how it proceeded on the third day. Instead, Patel joined Waters with just an hour’s play remaining of the second day.

Waters succumbed to the bowling wiles of Dewald Nel for the second time in the match, this time lbw for 12, and Varaiya came in as the night-watchman.

Fading light suggested it was time for spin, to prolong the opportunities for another wicket before the umpires called time. Ross Lyons and Majid Haq bowled five consecutive maiden overs to end the day’s play, leaving Scotland still in charge, but needing to take nine more wickets for less than 185 runs to avoid having to bat again in the game.

Close of Play, Day 2: Kenya 91ao and 30-1; Scotland 306ao (Sheikh 108, Berrington 80)

First Day's Report

First Day's Commentary

Day Two Commentary

Pictures courtesy of ICC