NAIROBI, Aug 12: An incisive three-wicket spell from Mashrafe Mortaza and Mohammad Ashraful's quick-fire half-century overwhelmed Kenya in the first One-day International on Saturday.
After restricting Kenya to 168, Bangladesh had little trouble in cantering to a six-wicket victory to go up 1-0 in the three-match series.
Kenya, Steve Tikolo aside, were insipid in all departments. Their batting was inept and having set such a small target, their bowlers failed to prevent Bangladesh's batsmen from finding the fence with ease.
Ashraful, in particular, took advantage of the generous width on offer. His innings began when Bangladesh were at a precarious 58 for three and he swung the momentum their way with a flurry of boundaries.
He reached his fifty — off just 36 balls — with a slog-swept six off Hiren Varaiya, who conceded 33 off five overs.
Farhad Reza was hardly overshadowed at the other. He contributed 34 to the 73-run stand for the fifth wicket that sealed Bangladesh's victory.
Tikolo provided the only Kenyan resistance during a typically belligerent 47 but his effort was a flicker in what was a dreary batting performance.