Chevrons Crush Kenya in Warm-Up

Zimbabwe’s Chevrons thrashed Kenya by nine wickets in a T20 World Cup warm-up at Takashinga (image source)

Zimbabwe’s national cricket side, the Chevrons, sent a statement of intent ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier by defeating Kenya by nine wickets in a warm-up match at Takashinga Cricket Club on Monday. The hosts chased down a modest target of 97 in just 13 overs, showcasing the bowling depth and batting firepower that could carry them through the tournament starting September 26.

The visitors were bundled out for 96 for 8 in their 20 overs, never finding momentum against a disciplined Zimbabwe bowling attack. Seamer Brad Evans led the charge with figures of 3 for 26, earning Man of the Match honours. Left-arm quick Richard Ngarava chipped in with 2 for 19, while veteran pace spearhead Blessing Muzarabani conceded only six runs and grabbed a wicket in his four-over spell.

“Our bowlers executed their plans to perfection, and that set up a comfortable chase,” said coach Dave Houghton.

Zimbabwe’s reply was clinical. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani smashed 51 runs in the powerplay, with Bennett top-scoring at a rapid 33 off 25. Marumani fell for 14, the only wicket of the chase, before Brendan Taylor (20 not out) and Sean Williams (21 not out) guided the Chevrons to 100 for 1 with 7.4 overs to spare.

Kenya, batting first after winning the toss, struggled to build partnerships. Rakep Patel provided brief resistance with 24 off 25 balls but fell to Evans, who oscillated the seam and length to great effect.

“Evans bowled with aggression and control—two words we’ve been stressing all week,” said Evans after being named Man of the Match.

Ngarava’s two wickets stemmed the middle order, while Muzarabani’s miserly line choked runs at the death. Their combined pressure ensured Kenya never recovered from early setbacks. Chasing under 100, Zimbabwe’s top order faced little threat. Bennett’s aggressive strokeplay put the hosts within sight of victory before he retired hurt to allow others game time. Taylor and Williams then applied their trademark composure, demonstrating the squad’s balance of youth and experience.

“A start like that against quality bowling is always welcome,” said veteran Taylor.

Analysts say this balance could prove decisive in Harare, where eight African nations vie for two T20 World Cup berths.

The ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier runs from September 26 to October 4, featuring Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Botswana, and hosts Zimbabwe. Only two teams will progress to next year’s global tournament in the USA and West Indies.

Zimbabwe’s recent form in bilateral T20s has been mixed, but Tuesday’s display at Takashinga Cricket Club suggests the squad is peaking at the right time. The high-altitude conditions and true-bouncing pitch in Harare traditionally favour fast bowlers—a potential boost for Evans and Muzarabani.

The Chevrons open their qualifier campaign on September 26 against Uganda, followed by matches with Ghana (September 28) and Nigeria (September 30). Coach Houghton stresses consistency: “A performance like this builds belief, but every game is a fresh challenge.”

As Zimbabwe seeks to reclaim its World Cup status, this comprehensive warm-up victory has set a confident tone. With disciplined bowling, explosive starts, and seasoned finishes, the Chevrons look primed for success on home soil.