Tikolo century sets up 95-run win

Kenya 285 for 9 (Tikolo 102, Obanda 71, Mpofu 6-52) beat Zimbabwe 190 (Matsikenyeri 56, Chakabva 41, Varaiya 3-53)
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

Led by Steve Tikolo's attacking century, Kenya recovered from their heavy loss to Ireland yesterday and completed a comprehensive 95-run victory against Zimbabwe. Tikolo's 102 helped Kenya to a challenging 285 for 9, a target that was out of Zimbabwe's reach, and secured the home side's first win of the tri-series.

It was the substantial 158-run partnership between Tikolo and Alex Obanda for the third wicket which laid the platform for victory. Zimbabwe bowled their spinners through the middle overs but none of them managed to tie the pair down. They had to wait 28 overs to take a wicket and, as a result, Christopher Mpofu's six-wicket haul was overshadowed by a strong batting performance.

At no stage did Zimbabwe threaten to loosen Kenya's grip on the game. Tikolo's arrival, with Kenya at 36 for 2, started a period of domination for the home side. With Obanda at the other end, Tikolo ensured the stand progressed at a run-rate of 5.50, bringing up his fifty off 52 balls, while Obanda reached his off 76.

Tikolo opted for the third Powerplay at the start of the 35th over and Kenya managed 36 off those five overs. He was particularly harsh on Hamilton Masakadza's legbreaks and smashed three fours in an over. Obanda struck Utseya for a six over long-on but perished in the same over, bowled through the gate for 71. Tikolo reached his third ODI century with a single to long-off off Chamu Chibhabha but fell in the following over, heaving Mpofu to deep midwicket.

Mpofu chipped away the wickets towards the end as Kenya searched for quick runs, and he ended with figures of 6 for 52.

Zimbabwe needed to get off the blocks quickly but their openers perished in the attempt, getting out to slogs against Nehemiah Odhiambo. Timycen Maruma and Tatenda Taibu helped steady the innings with a stand of 38 before Elijah Otieno deceived both Maruma and Taibu with slower deliveries. When Taibu departed, Zimbabwe were in trouble at 84 for 4.

Stuart Matsikenyeri added spark to the sagging chase with a brisk 56 off 36 balls which included six fours and two sixes. He lacked support from the other end, though, and fell to Hiren Varaiya, the left-arm spinner, who picked up three middle-order wickets. Regis Chakabva's 41 delayed the inevitable and it was fitting that Tikolo sealed the victory by taking the final wicket.