Kenya mauled in Mombasa

Chigumbura inspires tourists to emphatic win

By Joe Drabble   Last updated: 27th January 2009  

Kenya mauled in Mombasa

Chigumbura: Career-best 79

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An inspired all-round display from Elton Chigumbura helped Zimbabwe to a comprehensive 109-run win over Kenya in the first one-day international in Mombasa.

Chigumbura blasted 79 from just 38 deliveries to propel Zimbabwe up to an imposing 306-7, then took two wickets to reduce Kenya to 197 all out.

The 22-year-old smashed seven sixes to record his highest ODI score as the tourists struck first in the five-match series.

After winning the toss, Zimbabwe openers Vusi Sibanda and Hamilton Masakadza expertly laid the foundation for Chigumbura's late fireworks with an opening stand of 111 from 21.1 overs.

Sibanda made a patient 77 and Masakadza, who found boundaries easier to come by, blazed a quick-fire 71 as Kenya's bowling attack toiled.

A target of 307 always looked beyond the hosts, and when Chigumbura followed up his batting heroics with two early wickets the hosts' fate was all but sealed.

Jimmy Kamande struck a career-best 74, but his efforts were in vain as Zimbabwe romped to a 1-0 lead with Ed Rainsford the pick of their bowlers with figures of 2-19 off six overs.

The second of the five-match series takes place in Mombasa on Thursday.