Zimbabwe beat Kenya by 91 runs in first ODI

Harare:

Hamilton Masakadza hit a career-best 156 on Monday to set up Zimbabwe's 91 run victory over Kenya in the first of five one-day matches.

Man-of-the-match Masakadza faced 151 balls, cracking 11 boundaries and six sixes as Zimbabwe amassed 313-4 at the Harare Sports Club. He put on 121 for the first wicket with Mark Vermeulen, who struck 49 off 72 balls, before eventually being run out in the penultimate over of the innings. Brendan Taylor ended unbeaten on 44.

Masakadza dominated the Kenya attack from the very outset, picking the half volleys well and driving fluently on the off side.

In reply, Kenya were bowled out for 222 in 49.5 overs.

Their former captain Steve Tikolo top-scored with 49 runs before he was well caught by wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor off legspinner Graeme Cremer.

Opening bowler Kyle Jarvis, playing in his maiden ODI, took 3-36, the same figures as captain and offspinner Prosper Utseya.