Cricket Gang!

If Kenya were expecting Zimbabwe to go easy on them in this dead-rubber, Hamilton Masakadza put any such doubts to rest, storming to a career-best unbeaten 178, the 11th-highest score in all ODIs. He tore into the Kenyan bowling attack as the hosts piled up 300-plus for the second time in the series, and followed up with a splendid performance in the field.

Once captain Prosper Utseya chose to bat, the opening partnership between Masakadza and Forster Mutizwa set the tone for Zimbabwe. They tackled the opposition bowlers with aggression, putting on 127 by the 25th over before offpsinner Jimmy Kamande provided the long-awaited breakthrough, getting Mutizwa stumped for 55.

Mutizwa, having struck seven boundaries during his 65-ball stay, made way for Brendan Taylor, the hero from the last match. Taylor continued strongly, playing the perfect support role to Masakadza, who grew more dangerous with each boundary. The 102-run stand for the second wicket had effectively dealt a blow to Kenya's chances of a consolation win, as Taylor made merry, smashing three fours and three sixes during his breezy innings.

Even as Taylor departed, caught by Collins Obuya off Nehemiah Odhiambo for 52, Masakadza continued undeterred. He reached his century and powered on in style. Malcolm Waller contributed 19 to the third-wicket partnership of 92 before falling to Odhimabo. But the day belonged to Masakadza, who kept up the momentum and his unbeaten 167-ball effort, studded with 17 fours and five sixes, ensured Zimbabwe put up an imposing total.

In reply to a massive target Kenya stumbled at the top and from 85 for 5 there was to be no miracle. Chris Mpofu bowled well with to take 3 for 44, striking once at the top and twice down the order. Ray Price was called on at first change and stifled the batsmen with another parsimonious outing; his figures of 7-3-15-2 accounted for two big top-order wickets. Jimmy Kamande's 37 was the top score of a disappointing batting card and Kenya were all out for 187 in 39.3 overs.