Obuya and Odoya fifties stun Emerald Isle in Pretoria
Ireland warmed up for their ICC World Cup qualification final against Canada with a six-wicket defeat to Kenya in their final Super Eights match in South Africa.
The Kenyans needed to win the match in Pretoria to book their place in the 2011 World Cup and their success over an Ireland side already assured of their place in the tournament was sealed with two overs to spare.
Northamptonshire wicketkeeper Niall O'Brien helped the Irish recover from 38-3, after winning the toss, with 59 while John Mooney's 34 from 27 balls, was the cornerstone of a late dash for runs.
However, set a modest 209-run victory target, Kenya timed their chase to perfection thanks to an unbeaten 66 from former Warwickshire all-rounder Collins Obuya and Thomas Odoyo, who finished 50 not out.
The Kenyans were wobbling at 96-4 with 23 overs left but two of their experienced players guided the chase without further loss.
Obuya's 73-ball effort included nine fours while Odoyo hit four fours in a stand of 113 in 21 overs.
Ireland will now regroup and look to finish their qualification campaign with victory over Canada in Sunday's final.
