Karim like father, like son: Irfan’s ton powers Kenya to 103-run thrashing of Denmark
MAN of the Match Irfan Karim, son of legendary Aasif Karim, leads from the front as Kenya dominates
History repeated itself at the Nairobi Gymkhana on Wednesday as Irfan Karim, son of Kenyan legend Aasif Karim, smashed a match-winning century to inspire Kenya to a massive 103-run victory over Denmark.
Kenya, who won the toss and elected to bat first, posted an imposing 324 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs before bowling Denmark out for 221 in 44.1 overs.
It was a classic Karim show. The Man of the Match, Irfan, anchored the innings with a composed yet commanding 106 off 115 balls, studded with 9 fours. It was an innings reminiscent of his father Aasif – calm under pressure, technically sound, and built for the big occasion.
Kenya had an early scare when Captain Dhiren Gondaria was caught behind for a 2-ball duck off Saud Munir. But Subham Patel steadied the ship with 48 off 55 balls before being stumped off Saif Ahmad.
Karim then combined with Rakep Patel, who hit a fluent 57 off 65 balls. The late flourish came from Sachin Gill, who blasted 49 off 41 balls with 2 fours and 3 sixes, and Francis Mutua, who remained unbeaten on 21 off 14. Shem Ngoche provided a dramatic finish with 6 not out off just 1 ball.
For Denmark, Abdullah Mahmood was the most economical, with 2 for 41 in 9 overs, while Saud Munir picked 2 for 66.
Chasing 325, Denmark never got going despite a fighting 55 off 67 balls from captain Hamid Shah, including 4 fours and 3 sixes.
Kenya’s bowlers were ruthless and disciplined. Veteran spinner Shem Ngoche rolled back the years with a superb spell of 3 for 31 in 10 overs, including 2 maidens, dismissing both openers and the dangerous Taranjit Bharaj (35 off 23).
He was brilliantly supported by Vraj Patel (2 for 44 in 10 overs) and captain Dhiren Gondaria (2 for 44 in 7 overs), while Sachin Gill (1 for 19), Francis Mutua (1 for 29).
Dhiren Gondaria also starred behind the stumps, with Irfan Karim taking two sharp stumpings.
Denmark folded for 221, handing Kenya a comprehensive 103-run win – a statement victory at home that will boost their ICC Challenge League ambitions.
BRIEF SCORES:
Kenya 324/7 in 50 overs Irfan Karim 106,
Rakep Patel 57,
Subham Patel 48,
Sachin Gill 49;
●Abdullah Mahmood 2-41, Saud Munir 2-66
Denmark 221 all out in 44.1 overs
Hamid Shah 55,
Musa Shaheen 35, Taranjit Bharaj 35
●Shem Ngoche 3-31, Vraj Patel 2-44, Dhiren Gondaria 2-44) by 103 runs
Man of the Match: Irfan Karim (Kenya)
