Karim anchored Kenya’s innings with a composed 106 off 115 balls as the hosts posted 324 for seven in 50 overs before bowling Denmark out for 221 in 44.1 overs.

Kenyan cricketer Irfan Karim/HANDOUT

Irfan Karim, son of Kenyan cricket legend Aasif Karim, struck a match-winning century to guide Kenya to a commanding 103-run victory over Denmark in their ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League A campaign at Nairobi Gymkhana on Wednesday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Kenya suffered an early setback when captain Dhiren Gondaria was caught behind for a two-ball duck off Saud Munir.

Subham Patel steadied the innings with 48 off 55 balls before being stumped off Saif Ahmad, setting the stage for Karim to build Kenya’s total alongside Rakep Patel, who contributed a fluent 57 off 65 deliveries.

Sachin Gill provided late momentum with 49 off 41 balls, including two fours and three sixes, while Francis Mutua remained unbeaten on 21 off 14 balls. Shem Ngoche added an unbeaten six off just one delivery as Kenya finished strongly on 324 for seven.

For Denmark, Abdullah Mahmood returned economical figures of two for 41 in nine overs, while Munir claimed two for 66.

Chasing 325 for victory, Denmark struggled to establish partnerships against a disciplined Kenyan bowling attack.

Captain Hamid Shah top-scored with 55 off 67 balls, including four fours and three sixes, while Musa Shaheen made 35 off 62 deliveries. Taranjit Bharaj also scored 35, off just 23 balls, with five fours, but Denmark were unable to sustain their challenge.

Veteran spinner Ngoche led Kenya’s bowling effort with an impressive three for 31 in 10 overs, including two maidens. He dismissed both Denmark openers before removing Bharaj to halt the visitors’ progress.

Vraj Patel provided valuable support with two for 44 in his 10 overs, while Gondaria claimed two for 44 in seven overs. Gill and Mutua took a wicket each as Kenya maintained control and dismissed Denmark for 221 in 44.1 overs.

Karim also impressed behind the stumps, completing two stumpings to underline his contribution to Kenya’s comprehensive victory.

The win provides Kenya with a valuable boost in their ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League A campaign as they pursue progress along the qualification pathway to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

For Karim, the century was a standout performance that reinforced his family’s enduring connection to Kenyan cricket. His father, Aasif Karim, is one of the country’s celebrated cricketing figures, making the innings an especially memorable moment.

Karim was named Player of the Match for his decisive contribution with the bat as Kenya secured an emphatic victory on home soil.