Gondaria and Mutua power Kenya to emphatic win over PNG

Kenya produced a commanding all-round performance to crush Papua New Guinea by 88 runs, with skipper Dhiren Gondaria leading the way before their bowlers completed a comprehensive victory.

Gondaria struck five sixes in a patient 68 from 84 balls, while Francis Mutua provided the late fireworks as Kenya posted an imposing 230 for seven from their allotted 38 overs.

PNG never seriously threatened the target, eventually being dismissed for just 142 in 30.1 overs as Shem Ngoche and Vraj Patel shared six wickets.

Kenya's innings had started uncertainly, slipping to 70 for three despite Gondaria's efforts. The captain found useful support from Rakep Patel (26), the pair adding 57 for the fourth wicket before three quick wickets left Kenya struggling at 146 for six.

However, Sachin Gill and Mutua transformed the innings with a crucial seventh-wicket partnership of 55. Gill struck two sixes in a brisk 35 from 27 deliveries, while Mutua hammered three maximums in an unbeaten 40 from just 29 balls. Semo Kamea and Kabua Morea claimed two wickets apiece, but PNG's attack struggled to contain the late assault.

The reply got off to a disastrous start when Doko Rupa was run out for two with just 12 on the board. Tony Ura made 30 and captain Assad Vala offered resistance with 42 from 40 balls, including five boundaries. However, PNG's hopes evaporated spectacularly as they collapsed from 115 for four to 125 for eight.

Ngoche claimed three for 39, while Vraj Patel returned the excellent figures of three for 25. Mutua completed a fine individual display with two for 17, while Vishil Patel chipped in with one for 13.

It was an emphatic victory for Kenya, whose lower-order batting and disciplined bowling proved far too strong for a disappointing PNG side.