Kenya coast to series win

Kenya 189 for 2 (Obuya 86*, Obanda 77) beat Afghanistan 188 (Nabi 60, Odhiambo 2-18, Odoyo 2-29)
Scorecard

Kenya's bowlers rose to the occasion of a series-decider to hustle Afghanistan out for 188 before their batsmen chased down the runs to seal a series win in the third ODI in Nairobi.

Coming off the back of defeat in the four-day Intercontinental Cup game and the resignation of captain Maurice Ouma that followed, the result was a major boost for new captain Jimmy Kamande against one of the best Associate nations.

Led by half-centuries from Alex Obanda and Collins Obuya, Kenya made light work of the modest target. Obanda, who made his debut three years ago, is one of the brightest batting talents in the county but was playing his first game of the series. He was content to take his time as he laid the foundation for the chase after losing opening partner David Obuya in the 12th over, while Collins Obuya attacked.

The pair batted for the the best part of 30 overs, adding 143, to steer Kenya to the doorstep. Obanda cracked six fours and two sixes in his 116-ball 77 before he fell with victory six runs away. Obuya finished the job, ending unbeaten on 86 from 96 deliveries.

It was an impressively assured performance from a batting line-up that was shot out for 139 in the second ODI but credit must go to the Kenya bowlers who set up the win after Afghanistan chose to bat.

The visitors started well, with the openers racking up the 50 partnership inside 10 overs, before Kenya's trio of medium-pacers - Nehemiah Odhiambo, Elijah Otieno and Thomas Odoyo - combined to derail the innings.

Odhiambo had Karim Sidiq caught for 17 and Javed Ahmadi was run out two balls later. Odoyo then removed debutant right-handed batsman Noor-ul-Haq for a duck before Nawroz Mangal and Asghar Stanikzai fell by the wayside. Afghanistan had lost 5 for 16 in 36 balls, leaving them reeling at 69 for 5.

Mohammad Nabi launched a hard-hitting counterattack to drag the score towards respectability but his 60 from 69 was not enough to restore Afghanistan's hopes.