Kenya vs Nepal, Nepal tour of Kenya, 2022, Today Match Prediction 02 September 2022

n/a vs nep Match Prediction & Analysis

Kenya and Nepal are set to face off against each other once again, but this time in the longest form of white ball cricket. Coming off a very close T20 series, wherein Nepal managed to squeeze through winning the series 3-2, Kenya would want to be dominant in the ODI series as they are the home side.

Kenya would feel hard done by, after coming back not once, but twice in the T20 series, but eventually not being able to hold their nerves in the 5th game. It's still not that late as they would want to make a comeback in the ODIs series. They would also want to take advantage of being the home side and dominate the opponent. 

Nepal would be on top of the moon, given their series win in the T20s. Not only were they in control of their nerves, but also registered quite an emphatic victory to seal the series. That said, they will want to start off fresh, and not make the same mistakes that they did in the T20 series. It will be a fascinating contest as both teams will be eager to start on a winning note and set the tone for the series.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Kenya Preview

The home team will want to forget the lows and start new in the ODI series. Kenya blew hot and cold, and failed to be consistent in their performance which cost them their series win. They would want to add consistency to their game and make sure they can put in a much more competitive display and win the series on their home soil.  

Irfan Karim was a shining light for Kenya, as he was the top scorer of the team scoring 139 runs in the 4 games he played. He was criticized for his low strike rate, but the ODI setup will suit his game a lot more. He was well supported by Rakep Patel as he scored 124 runs at an impressive strike rate of 140.91. He smashed the most sixes by any player in the series (6). Kenya would want them to continue their form, and the top order to contribute heavily.

The bowling department let down the Kenya team, as they were not as lethal as their counterparts. However, Vraj Patel was simply outstanding as he picked up 10 wickets at an average of 8.70. He found next to no support, as the next highest wicket-taker was Lucas Oluoch with 5 wickets. If Kenya wants to win this series, their bowlers will have to come to the party this time around.

Key Players: Vraj Patel, Irfan Karim, Rakep Patel, Lucas Oluoch

Kenya Predicted Playing XI:

Shem Ngoche (c), Sachin Bhudia, Emmanuel Bundi, Irfan Karim, Alex Obanda, Collins Obuya, Eugene Ochieng, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Nelson Odhiambo, Lucas Oluoch, Elijah Otieno, Rakep Patel, Vraj Patel, Sukhdeep Singh

Nepal Preview

Nepal would be ecstatic given their fantastic display in the T20 series. The team played really well and in spite of the inconsistencies managed to pull off a series win. However, they will be mindful that Kenya will come all guns blazing and they will not be able to afford a slip-up, and will want to continue their good run of form. 

Rohit Paudel was in fine touch, scoring 156 at a strike rate of 113.87 making him the top run scorer in the T20 series. His prolific run-scoring, propelled Nepal. He was well supported by Gyanendra Malla, who chipped in with 135 runs at a strike rate of 107. Nepal would want a similar batting display from them, as they will want to continue their domination in the ODI series too.

The bowling was not only top-notch but crucial as it helped Nepal register the series win over Kenya. Captain Sandeep Lamichhane was the top wicket taker with 12 wickets, at an average of 11.33. He was also quite well backed by Dipendra Singh Airee and Aadil Ansari who chipped in with 6 & 5 wickets respectively. Nepal would want their bowling to once again shine as they look set to clinch the ODI series too. 

Key Players: Sandeep Lamichhane, Rohit Paudel, Gyanendra Malla

Nepal Predicted Playing XI:

Sandeep Lamichhane (c), Rohit Paudel, Aasif Sheikh, Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Dev Khanal, Mohammad Aadil Alam, Karan KC, Gyanendra Malla, Sompal Kami, Basir Ahamad, Arjun Saud, Pawan Sarraf, Shahab Alam, Kishore Mahato, Bibek Yadav, Aadil Ansari

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The weather will be very pleasant, with a 13% chance of rain on match day. The maximum and minimum temperatures will be in the 23°C - 12°C range.

Venue Details

Gymkhana Club Ground, Nairobi has a capacity of around 7,000 people. The stadium has already been used for the T20 series, and will remain the venue for the remainder of the ODIs as well.

Toss: To Bowl

As both teams have already faced each other quite a few times, teams will look to win the toss and bowl first. The history of the ground is famous for teams chasing winning the game, bowling first will be the way to go after winning the toss.