Steve Tikolo

Steve Tikolo is a former Kenyan international cricketer. He was a right-handed batsman and right-arm medium and right-arm offbreak bowler. The other teams he played for are Swamibapa Sports Club, Border, University of West Indies Vice Chancellor’s XI and Africa XI.

Career

Tikolo debuted in One-Day Internationals at the 1996 World Cup where he made a name for himself, batting first drop. On debut against India, he scored 65 runs in 83 deliveries and took a wicket. He made 29 in their shock win over the West Indies and 96 against eventual winners Sri Lanka.

At the 1997 ICC Trophy, Tikolo made 147 against Bangladesh in the final, helped earn Kenya ODI status and clinching their spot at the 1999 World Cup. He made two half-centuries against India and England at that event.

He was made Kenya captain in 2002 and led the side to a momentous semi-finals appearance at the 2003 World Cup, scoring 56 in the semi-final loss to India.

He quit as Kenya captain after a dismal 2004 ICC Champions Trophy campaign where they lost both games, citing internal politics. He would later return as skipper and led the side to qualify for the 2011 World Cup.

Tikolo has since moved into coaching, leading Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and currently Nigeria.

Career Highlights

Tikolo became the first player from a non-Test playing nation to play in 100 One-Day Internationals and also score 2,500 ODI runs. Leading Kenya to the 2003 World Cup semi-finals is a cricket miracle.

In his 135-game ODI career, Tikolo scored 3,428 runs at an average of 29.05, with three centuries and 24 half-centuries and a high score of 111. He took 94 wickets at an average of 34.20 with best figures of 4-41.

He also played 15 T20 Internationals for Kenya, scoring 345 runs and taking 12 wickets.