Bahrain beat Kenya in thrilling T20 opener

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain secured a thrilling 15-run victory over Kenya in the opening match of the two-game T20 International series at the Gymkhana Club Ground in Nairobi.

The win gave Bahrain, ranked 30th in the ICC T20I rankings, a 1-0 lead over 33rd-ranked Kenya in the series.

Bahrain's victory was built on a brilliant batting display from Fiaz Ahmed and a match-winning bowling spell from fast bowler Rizwan Butt, who dismantled Kenya's top order with a four-wicket haul.

Fiaz Ahmed Powers Bahrain to 159

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Bahrain overcame an early setback following the dismissal of captain Asif Ali without scoring.

Fiaz Ahmed then took control of the innings, smashing an explosive 88 runs from 49 balls, including eight fours and five sixes. He combined with wicketkeeper Prashant Kurup, who scored a steady 33 runs, to build a crucial 75-run partnership that steadied Bahrain's innings.

A late six from Imran Anwar off the only delivery he faced helped Bahrain finish with a competitive total of 159 for four in 20 overs.

Kenya's bowlers had some success, with left-arm spinner Sachin Gill taking two wickets for 20 runs, while Peter Langat claimed one wicket. However, seven wides added pressure to Kenya's bowling effort.

Rizwan Butt's Four-Wicket Burst Sinks Kenya

Chasing 160, Kenya started positively but suffered a major setback as Bahrain's Rizwan Butt produced a devastating spell.

The right-arm pacer claimed the first four Kenyan wickets to fall, including key dismissals of Rushab Patel and Sachin Bhudia, who were both dismissed without scoring, leaving Kenya struggling at 42 for three.

Kenya captain Dhiren Gondaria fought back with a determined 73 runs from 49 balls, but a lack of support from the other end prevented the hosts from completing the chase.

Kenya eventually finished on 144 for eight, falling 15 runs short of Bahrain's target.

Bahrain Take Series Lead

Rizwan Butt finished as Bahrain's standout performer with figures of 4 wickets for 17 runs, while Asif Shaikh contributed with two wickets to maintain pressure on Kenya's middle order.

Bahrain now lead the two-match series 1-0. The teams will meet again at the same venue for the final T20I, with Kenya aiming to level the series.