As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier B heats up, cricket fans are set for an exhilarating encounter between Kenya and Zimbabwe. Taking place at the Nairobi Gymkhana Club Ground on October 20, 2024, this match promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent. Zimbabwe enters the match as the favorites, armed with a strong T20 ranking and a solid record against their East African rivals.
Match Details
- Match: Kenya vs Zimbabwe, Match 5
- Venue: Nairobi Gymkhana Club Ground, Nairobi
- Date & Time: Sunday, 20th October 2024, at 16:20
- Series: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier B, 2024
T20 Rankings
- Kenya: 33
- Zimbabwe: 12
Zimbabwe enters the match as the clear favorite, sitting at 12th in the T20 rankings compared to Kenya’s position at 33rd. However, as the qualifier format shows, surprises can happen, especially in the T20 format.
Form Guide
- Kenya: W, L, L , W, W
- Zimbabwe: W, L, L, L, L
Kenya has demonstrated commendable recent form with three wins in their last five matches, while Zimbabwe will look to bounce back after a series of disappointing results.
Head to Head
In their previous encounters, Zimbabwe has had the upper hand against Kenya:
- Total Matches: 1
- Zimbabwe Wins: 1
- Kenya Wins: 0
- Tied: 0
- No Result: 0
- Winning Percentage: Zimbabwe 100% | Kenya 0%
Zimbabwe has maintained a perfect record against Kenya in T20 matches, which will surely add pressure on the Kenyan side to break the streak.
Key Players
Top Batters
- Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)
- Runs: 82
- Average: –
- Strike Rate: 170.83
- Highest Score: 82
- Irfan Karim (Kenya)
- Runs: 35
- Average: –
- Strike Rate: 102.94
- Highest Score: 35*
Sikandar Raza is a standout performer for Zimbabwe, showcasing his capability as a match-winner. Meanwhile, Irfan Karim will be crucial for Kenya if they aim to post a competitive total.
Top Bowlers
- Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)
- Wickets: 2
- Bowling Average: 10.5
- Best Figures: 2/21
- Shem Ngoche (Kenya)
- Wickets: 2
- Bowling Average: 15
- Best Figures: 2/30
Squads
Zimbabwe
- Dion Myers
- Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Wessly Madhevere
- Brian Bennett
- Ryan Burl
- Sikandar Raza (c)
- Tashinga Musekiwa
- Clive Madande (wk)
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Brandon Mavuta
- Richard Ngarava
- Tinotenda Maposa
- Trevor Gwandu
- Wellington Masakadza
Kenya
- Dhiren Gondaria
- Neil Mugabe
- Pushkar Sharma
- Rushab Patel
- Sachin Bhudia
- Lucas Oluoch
- Shem Ngoche (c)
- Rakep Patel
- Sachin Gill
- Irfan Karim (wk)
- Francis Mutua
- Gerard Mwendwa
- Peter Langat
- Vraj Patel
Both teams feature a mix of experienced and emerging players, making the contest intriguing as they aim for crucial points in the qualifier.
Predictions
Given Zimbabwe’s stronger T20 ranking and historical performance against Kenya, they are expected to dominate this match. However, Kenya’s recent form shows they are capable of pulling off an upset if their batting order fires on all cylinders.
Prediction: Zimbabwe to win, but a closely contested match is on the cards. Expect a thrilling encounter at the Nairobi Gymkhana Club Ground as both teams vie for supremacy in the T20 World Cup qualifiers.