Afghanistan slump to defeat

[Sir john]

Afghanistan capitulated spectacularly to lose the first one-day international against Kenya in Nairobi by 92 runs. Chasing a modest 181 to take the lead in the three-match series, the tourists slumped from 32 without loss to 57 for seven as seamer Nehemiah Odhiambo struck three times. Only opener Noor Ali offered significant resistance, with 41, but he was ninth out as Afghanistan’s innings occupied just 27.5 overs. Kenya themselves suffered a middle-order collapse, which undermined a promising start after they chose to bat first. Their top three yielded steady twenties but veteran batsman Steve Tikolo’s well-paced 57 was the cornerstone of the innings. His departure precipitated a slide from 139 for two to 145 for eight in 3.2 overs and only captain Jimmy Kamande's swift 31 salvaged what proved to be a defendable total. Seamers Mirwais Ashraf and Hamid Hassan each took four wickets as the hosts were dismissed in 46.2 overs.