Zimbabwe Outclass Kenya to Reach T20 Africa Final
The second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final 2025 was played in Harare on October 2, where Zimbabwe and Kenya locked horns for a spot in the final. The game carried plenty of weight because it was not just about winning a match—it was about pushing closer to that coveted World Cup qualification.
Kenya won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to put scoreboard pressure on the hosts. But runs did not come easily. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, kept things tight and never allowed Kenya to break free. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and the Kenyan side struggled to build any momentum. Their captain Dhiren Gondaria tried to steady the ship, but partnerships were broken before they could grow. Eventually, Kenya managed only 122 runs for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs.
For Zimbabwe, the chase was never going to be daunting on a familiar Harare surface. Opening batsman Brian Bennett provided the spark with some crisp stroke play. His quick scoring set the tone and shifted all pressure back onto Kenya. Although Sikandar Raza, the Zimbabwe skipper, fell cheaply after scoring 10 from 18 balls, the team never looked rattled. Ryan Burl took charge, combining experience with aggression, and ensured the target was always within reach.
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By the time Burl and Tony Munyonga came together, the outcome had begun to look inevitable. Burl, in particular, accelerated brilliantly—striking boundaries and a crucial six that brought the crowd alive. The equation narrowed down rapidly, and with more than four overs still left, Zimbabwe sealed the victory by seven wickets, finishing at 123 for three in 15 overs.
Brian Bennett’s performance was rewarded with the Player of the Match award. His contribution at the top of the order had set the platform and made the chase look effortless. For Kenya, it was a case of missed opportunities—they had the toss in their favor but were unable to convert it into a commanding total.
With this win, Zimbabwe not only advanced to the tournament’s final but also underlined their dominance in African cricket. Their balance of pace, power, and experience made the difference, while Kenya was left to reflect on where things slipped away.
The victory added another chapter to Zimbabwe’s strong record against Kenya, extending their head-to-head lead. As fans at the Harare Sports Club celebrated, the hosts carried their momentum into the grand final, keeping alive the dream of qualifying for the T20 World Cup stage in 2026.
In the end, it was a professional job done by Zimbabwe—calm, efficient, and convincing—while Kenya’s campaign ended with plenty to think about before the next qualifiers.
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