STRANG STEERED ZIMBABWE TO HUGE VICTORY by Zahid Newaz in Dhaka - 19 March 1999 CricInfo report

A five wicket haul by leg-spinner Paul Strang steered Zimbabwe to a huge 133 runs victory over lowly Kenya in the opening match of the Meril International Cricket Tournament at the floodlit Bangabandhu National Stadium Friday.

Strang ripped through the Kenyan top order as he picked up five wickets for only 22 runs in his 10-over quota. He was later adjudged man of the match.

The Zimbabwean leggie was well supported by pacer Heath Streak who claimed two wickets for 12 runs in 7 overs.

Chasing the huge Zimbabwean total of 272 runs, ICC runners-up Kenya were all out for 139 runs in 44 overs.

Kenya, the unofficially rated number 10 team, failed to build any fruitful partnership against their stronger opponents.

After their opening partnership was broken on 54 runs, Kenya lost wickets at regular intervals.

Opener Ravindu Shah was the top scorer for Kenya making 28 runs off 38 balls that included four boundaries and an over boundary. His partner Kennedy Otieno contributed 24 runs off 63 deliveries with two fours.

Number eight batsman Thomas Odoyo added 25 runs off 38 balls that featured five hits to the fence.

Earlier, winning the toss, Zimbabwe captain Alistair Campbell decided to bat first in the day-night match.

A sparkling knock of 83 runs by number four batsman Andy Flower enabled Zimbabwe to amass 272 runs for six wickets in the stipulated 50 overs.

The left-hander hit eight boundaries in his 99 ball innings before he was clean bowled by T Odoyo. He reached 50 with a boundary through the cover off Tikolo facing 65 deliveries.

A Flower shared a magnificent 106-run partnership with Campbell in the 4th wicket to guide the team to a big total.

Left-handed Zimbabwe skipper Campbell scored 37 runs off 54 balls with one four and a six. He lost his wicket to Kenyan captain Asif Karim's first ball of his 6th over, caught at long-on by Tony Suji.

Hard-hitting batsman, Eddo Brandes, played another notable innings of 53 runs in 34 balls that featured five fours and a six against Tony Suji over the long off. He completed the half-century playing only 33 balls.

Brandes was involved in a vital 53-run partnership with top scorer Andy Flower in the 5th wicket.

Guy Whittall hammered unbeaten 22 runs off 16 balls with four hits to the fence.

Earlier, Neil Jhonson and Grant Flower opened the Zimbabwe innings scoring 44 runs in the opening partnership.

G Flower was the first victim of the day, caught and bowled by T Suji after scoring 22 runs off 35 balls.

Zimbabwe lost the other opener, Jhonson (15), with scoreboard showing 52 runs. He was caught brilliantly by Maurice Odumbe at point.

Zimbabwe collected 83 runs in the last 10 overs.

Medium pacer T Odoyo was the most successful bowler for Kenya picking up two wickets for 26 runs in 10 overs.

T Suji and A Karim took one each for 51 and 46 runs respectively.