KENYA claimed third place at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier after defeating Tanzania by 51 runs at Harare Sports Club on Saturday, thanks to a fine all-round performance from captain Dhiren Gondaria.
Batting first, Gondaria gave his side the perfect start, compiling a steady 60 from 53 balls with seven boundaries. He shared an opening stand of 63 with Neil Mugabe, who chipped in with 22, before wickets tumbled as Kenya looked to accelerate. Nitish Hirani added late impetus with 19 from 11 balls, helping Kenya to 142 for seven in their 20 overs. Laksh Bakrania was the pick of Tanzania’s bowlers with two for 20.
Tanzania’s reply faltered almost immediately. Apart from Amal Rajeevan’s fighting 39 and Abhik Patwa’s 18, no other batsman settled as they were dismissed for 91 in 17.2 overs. Hirani followed his batting cameo with the ball, claiming four for 21, while Vraj Patel (three for 10) and Gondaria (two for 21) completed the demolition.
