Patel now enjoy playing against the big boys

Kenya's Vishil Patel in action during the Continent Cup T20 Africa Men's Tournament at Nairobi Gymkhana Club on Monday. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya is poised to battle Uganda today in the finals of the 12-day Continent Cup T20 Africa cricket tournament at the historic Nairobi Gymkhana Club.

One of the prolific players who propelled Kenya to the crunch finals is Vishil Patel who has been among local charges who have been outstanding for the country in the tournament.

The national U19 team captain joined the senior squad late as a replacement of impressive bowler Sheikh Tanzeel who got injured in Kenya's opening game against Rwanda.

The 17 year old Nairobi Premier Academy student says getting his second call up to the senior team is such an honour and privilege, which gives him an opportunity to serve his country well.

"It's a great experience for me, it's exciting to play with the big boys. I have gotten the opportunity to learn every single game, I have gained a lot from my teammates," the promising Ruaraka Sports Club bowler told Standard Sports.

"I'm here to do my best, whenever I get to play I try to put my best foot forward for the country."
During the tournament, head coach David Obuya gave Patel an opportunity to showcase his talent in five games where he featured against Rwanda (twice), Botswana (twice) and Uganda.

"I'm happy with my performance. I was able to take up a couple of wickets, especially against Botswana where I got four," he stated.

Patel hopes to take the experiences gained in the senior team to the U19 squad that will be involved in the final round of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers against hosts Tanzania, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Namibia on July 23-29.

Patel is not willing to reveal some of the tactics he learnt at the senior team, he terms them his secret weapons that will be displayed during the U19 World Cup Qualifiers in Tanzania.

"I really learnt from the experienced players, the skills gained are invaluable," he stated.

In his debut for the senior national team last year, Patel was glad to have notched his first wicket against high ranked Nepal when he featured in Kenya's opening match in the five One Day International event.

Concerning Kenya's crunch finals against Uganda today, Patel said: "This is a big game, beating Uganda will be our pride. We met thrice in the tournament and the forces were balanced, today's game will determine who carries the trophy home. I'm ready to give my best when I get the opportunity to do so."

Interestingly, Patel was never introduced to the sport by anyone as none of his parents even played the game.

Apart from being fit, cricket has helped Patel to cultivate team spirit, he is also very fast in his thinking.

Among his greatest inspirations in the game are Afghanistan and Sri Lankan bowlers Rashid Khan and Hasaranga Wanindu.

Wanindu is considered to be the best bowler in the T20 International history.

"The two leg spinners really inspire me, I want to bowl like them," Patel stated.