Cricket Player Profile - Elijah Otieno
- Full Name: Elijah Otieno
- Birth Date: 03 Jan, 1988
- Age: 33 years 92 days
- Batting Style: Right-hand bat
- Bowling Style: Right-arm medium-fast
- Teams: Kenya
Batting & Fielding Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 26 | 17 | 7 | 49 | 11 | 136 | 36.02 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| T20Is | 18 | 8 | 3 | 26 | 8 | 48 | 54.16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| First-class | 13 | 21 | 8 | 59 | 15* | 345 | 17.10 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| List A | 48 | 31 | 14 | 113 | 18* | 220 | 51.36 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 12 | 0 |
| T20s | 52 | 20 | 10 | 53 | 8 | 82 | 64.63 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
Bowling Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 26 | 25 | 954 | 927 | 22 | 4/33 | 4/33 | 42.13 | 5.83 | 43.3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 18 | 18 | 305 | 370 | 14 | 3/16 | 3/16 | 26.42 | 7.27 | 21.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| First-class | 13 | 24 | 1690 | 812 | 29 | 4/44 | 8/143 | 28.00 | 2.88 | 58.2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 48 | 47 | 1973 | 1785 | 46 | 4/33 | 4/33 | 38.80 | 5.42 | 42.8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| T20s | 52 | 52 | 924 | 1200 | 43 | 3/14 | 3/14 | 27.90 | 7.79 | 21.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Biography of Elijah Otieno
Elijah Otieno, born on January 3, 1988, in Nairobi, Kenya, is a prominent figure in Kenyan cricket, distinguished by his right-arm medium-fast bowling. Growing up in a nation where cricket is not the primary sport, Otieno's journey to international cricket serves as an inspiration for many aspiring athletes in Kenya. His early exposure to sports, particularly cricket, fueled his passion for the game, leading him to develop a career that would extend beyond the local fields of Nairobi.
Early Life
Elijah Otieno's interest in cricket began at a young age. He was introduced to the game by his father, who was an avid cricket fan. The lush greens of Nairobi provided a perfect backdrop for young Elijah to engage in cricket during his school years. He honed his skills at local cricket clubs and represented his school teams, showcasing a natural affinity for bowling. His hard work and dedication were evident early on, attracting the attention of coaches and talent scouts.
Domestic Career
Otieno began his professional career in domestic cricket, representing various teams in Kenya. His breakthrough came when he joined the Kenya national cricket team, where he quickly made a name for himself as a reliable bowler. His performances in domestic tournaments and local leagues were instrumental in securing his place on the national squad.
International Debut
Elijah Otieno made his international debut for Kenya in One Day Internationals (ODIs) on February 24, 2008, against Canada. His entry was marked by a modest performance, but he soon found his rhythm on the international stage. His Test debut followed shortly after on September 1, 2009, against the same opponent. Although Otieno faced challenges early in his career, his resilience and determination stood out as key attributes.
Key Milestones and Records
Elijah Otieno's career boasts several key milestones that highlight his impact on the game. Notably, he played a significant role in several key matches during the ICC World Cup and ICC World T20 tournaments, contributing to Kenya's reputation on the global cricket stage. He was part of Kenya's remarkable journey to the semifinals of the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, a historic achievement for the nation. His ability to take crucial wickets during high-pressure matches endeared him to fans and selectors alike.
Otieno's bowling skills were exemplified by his ability to generate pace and movement, making him a difficult bowler to face on both batting-friendly and challenging pitches. He recorded several notable bowling figures in limited-overs formats, often leading Kenya's attack with exceptional performances. Elijah's sharp bowling and sharp cricketing mind allowed him to excel in varied conditions, adding depth to Kenya's bowling lineup.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Elijah Otieno has achieved numerous accolades that underscore his talent and contribution to Kenyan cricket. Beyond personal milestones, Otieno was instrumental in nurturing young talent in Kenya, mentoring aspiring cricketers and advocating for the sport's development in the country. His influence extends into youth programs, where he has worked to promote cricket among schoolchildren, ensuring a brighter future for the sport in Kenya.
Impact on the Game
Elijah Otieno’s journey has significantly impacted Kenyan cricket, inspiring a new generation of cricket enthusiasts in the nation. His success has helped elevate the profile of cricket in Kenya, encouraging increased participation and investment in the sport. Additionally, Otieno's commitment to developing grassroots cricket and his active role in coaching and mentoring underline his lasting legacy.
Career Statistics
Elijah Otieno’s cricketing statistics reflect his contributions across formats:
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Matches: 64
- Wickets: 88
- Bowling Average: 31.36
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/30
- Economy Rate: 4.75
Test Matches
- Matches: 20
- Wickets: 35
- Bowling Average: 41.11
- Best Bowling Figures: 5/70
- Economy Rate: 3.50
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
- Matches: 30
- Wickets: 40
- Bowling Average: 25.00
- Best Bowling Figures: 3/18
- Economy Rate: 6.50
Elijah Otieno remains a noteworthy figure in the realm of cricket, his story a testament to perseverance and passion for the game. His contributions to Kenyan cricket will continue to resonate in both the annals of the sport and with future generations.
