Another defeat by Kenya adds to Zimbabwe's woes

Kenya 117 (Ewing 4-16, Utseya 4-16) beat Zimbabwe A 87 (Ongondo 4-33, Aga 4-14) by 30 runs
Scorecard

Zimbabwe cricket suffered another major blow at the Harare Academy ground on Saturday when Kenya beat Zimbabwe A by 30 runs in a low-scoring match played on a substandard pitch.

While a defeat of the A team might not appear serious, the reality is that this was a virtually full-strength side, led by Heath Streak and with eight of those who had played in Zimbabwe's most recent ODI against India last month. After losing to Kenya by an innings inside two days earlier in the week, Zimbabwe's selectors clearly took the decision to field a virtual first team in a bid to win. The move backfired.

Kenya won the toss and batted, but runs were always hard to come by on a pitch with variable bounce. Only Kennedy Otieno (34) really got started, while Prosper Utseya and Gavin Ewing both took 4 for 16. There were 29 extras, a number which turned out to be crucial.

Zimbabwe A, who had been bowled out for 73 by Kenya on Wednesday, again showed inadequate technique and were skittled for 87. Peter Ongondo took 4 for 33 and Rageb Aga 4 for 14.

A spokesman for the Kenyans said that he was "delighted", adding that this was the best moment for Kenya since the 2003 World Cup.

In Zimbabwe, the Sunday Mail said: "The deplorable outcome begins to lend credence to the fact that Zimbabwe Cricket refused to grant full Test status to this encounter because they feared being embarrassed by a team that plays in an inferior league. "