Steindl's men edge closer to victory over Kenya

Pete Steindl's side enjoyed another dominant day in the African sunshine yesterday as Qasim Sheikh and Richie Berrington each notched their highest scores in international cricket.

Sheikh's 108 and Berrington's 80 saw the Scots compile 306 in their first innings to establish a lead of 215. However, the Kenyans fought back to reach 30-1 by the close and, with two days remaining, Scotland are not yet assured of victory. The selectors opted for two spinners in their line-up but neither Majid Haq nor Ross Lyons were needed as Kenya were skittled for 91 on Monday.

However, Steindl said: "The spinners could still have a big part to play in the match. The wicket is already taking a bit of turn and hopefully Majid and Ross will be able to take advantage."

Resuming on 121-3, Sheikh and Berrington yesterday produced a gritty performance to stave off some threatening home bowling. The batsmen had been warned to expect a backlash from the Kenyans following their dismal display on the opening day and the Scots pair dug in defiantly on their way to personal landmarks.

Sheikh moved to three figures with his 19th boundary and, although Sheikh was given out lbw to Steve Tikolo for 108, his 102-run stand with Berrington was crucial in putting the Scots firmly on top.

Berrington, meanwhile, added to his three-wicket haul of Monday. The Greenock player's previous highest score was 29 but he easily surpassed that with a resolute 206-ball 80. Berrington watched as the Scots suffered a mini middle-order collapse, losing three wickets for six runs, but remained long enough to add a further 68 runs in partnership with Lyons. Nel then made the breakthrough to remove Seren Waters before the close.