Cremer spins Zimbabwe to victory

Zimbabwe leg-break spinner Graeme Cremer produced career-best figures to help his side secure a 2-0 lead over Kenya at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday. The 23-year-old picked up a six-wicket-haul to help dismiss the visitors to 177 in less than 45 overs as Zimbabwe registered an 86-run victory.

Electing to bat first, Zimbabwe got off to a good start as Hamilton Masakadza (66) and Mark Vermeulen (32) put on a 77-run partnership for the opening wicket. The middle order suffered a slight setback as Hiren Varaiya (3-38) and Steve Tikolo (2-38) picked up quick wickets but Stuart Matsikenyeri (71 not out) and Sean Williams (33) stabilized the innings. Cremer provided some late fireworks (31not out in 19 balls) as the hosts finished at 263-7.

In reply, David Obuya began well for Kenya with a 51-ball 49 but the rest of the batting order failed to start off under strict bowling displays from Cremer (6-46) and Prosper Utseya (3-29). Skipper Maurice Ouma (31) and Collins Obuya (23) showed some fight but the lack of a solid partnership in the innings caused the Kenyans to be bundled out for 177.

The two teams will next meet on Thursday for the first of three potential series deciders.