Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE and Botswana signalled their intent ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers with emphatic warm-up victories yesterday. The Chevrons cruised past Kenya by nine wickets at Harare Sports Club, while Botswana comfortably defeated Malawi by 55 runs at Takashinga.
Kenya won the toss and opted to bat first but crumbled to 96 all out as Zimbabwe’s pace attack dominated proceedings. Bradley Evans led the charge with an impressive three wickets for just 12 runs. Richard Ngarava contributed with two for 16, while Tinotenda Maphosa and Ryan Burl claimed one wicket each. Only four Kenyan batters reached double figures, with Rakep Patel top-scoring with 24 off 25 balls. Pushkar Sharma, Sachin Bhudia, and Sukhdeep Singh added 10, 11, and 14 respectively.
Zimbabwe’s chase was swift and clinical. Opener Brian Bennett struck a brisk 33 off 25 balls before retiring, while Tadiwanashe Marumani chipped in with 14. Brendan Taylor (20 not out) and Sean Williams (21 not out) guided the Chevrons to 100 for one in just 12 overs.
Over at Takashinga, Botswana’s batters set the tone after Malawi chose to field. Reginald Nehonde anchored the innings with an unbeaten 62 off 44 deliveries, supported by Vinoo Balakrishnah (25) and captain Karabo Motlhanka (29), as Botswana posted 150 for four. Kelvin Thuchila was Malawi’s standout bowler, taking two wickets for 12 runs.
Malawi’s response lacked momentum. Openers Aaftab Limdawala and Mike Chaomba both top-scored with 15, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Tharindu Perera tore through the line-up with three wickets for seven runs, while Katlo Piet added two for 12, bowling Malawi out for 95.
Both Zimbabwe and Botswana now turn their attention to Friday’s Africa Qualifiers, where eight teams — Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Malawi, Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda, and hosts Zimbabwe — will battle for two spots at next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India. South Africa have already qualified as one of the top eight teams from the previous edition.
