Captain Duffin shows the way

On his captaincy and One Day International debut, Terry Duffin scored a composed 53 to help Zimbabwe to an 8-wicket victory over Kenya. The match featured five debut caps, with three Zimbabweans and two Kenyans entering the top level, and Zimbabwe successfully chased a target of 228 for the victory.

A sparse 500 spectators were on hand to witness the home side’s achievement, and they saw a clinical and comfortable performance not typically associated with Zimbabwean cricket over recent years.

Kenya started promisingly with a partnership of 85 for the second wicket, as Kennedy Otieno struck 74 off 110 balls. Keegan Meth – an Under-19 prospect from the recent World Cup – replaced Edward Rainsford as the Zimbabwe’s substitution. Rainsford had bowled his 7 overs for 28 runs and showed visible distaste for the decision. Meth seized the opportunity, however, and had Otieno stumped amidst superb figures of 3-1-6-1.

From a position of 116/1, Kenya relied greatly on a brisk half-century from allrounder Thomas Odoyo to reach a closing total of 227/9. Odoyo hit 2 sixes and 3 fours in a score of 54 off 52 balls, as few others offered substantially and Masakadza (2/26) and Ireland (2/44) finished the most successful Zimbabwean bowlers.

Duffin was joined by fellow debutant Piet Rinke in opening the batting, and the two complemented each other well for a partnership of 71. Rinke hit two fours in the first over of the chase, off Odoyo, and set the tone for an innings of 42 from 44 balls. His captain continued to build his innings calmly and added a further 60 with Hamilton Masakadza for the second wicket.

A sharp single was the demise of Duffin at the hands of Nehemiah Odhiambo, and it ended an 81-ball innings which featured some 8 fours.

Brendon Taylor joined Masakadza at the crease to unite the base of experience as far as batsmanship in the Zimbabwean team. The two took advantage of the Kenyan fatigue and delighted the small gathering with their strokeplay in cruising to the victory target with 6.3 overs to spare.

Taylor was unbeaten on 60 from 58 balls, whilst Masakadza’s 58 not out took 79 balls.

Kenya 227-9
Kennedy Otieno 74, Thomas Odoyo 54
Hamilton Masakadza 2/26, Anthony Ireland 2/44

Zimbabwe 231-2
Brendon Taylor 60*, Hamilton Masakadza 58*, Terry Duffin 53
Peter Ongondo 1/37

Zimbabwe won by 8 wickets.

Cricket Web Player of the Match
Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe)