Kenya qualifies for 2025 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa regional finals

Kenya’s men’s cricket team has secured a place in the 2025 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Regional Finals after finishing second in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-regional Qualifier B.

Despite a 61-run defeat to tournament champions Zimbabwe in their final match at Nairobi Gymkhana Grounds on Thursday, October 24, Kenya’s earlier four wins in the tournament ensured their advancement. The regional finals venue is yet to be announced.

In the final match, Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bat on what their skipper Sikandar Raza described as a “variational wicket.” Zimbabwe posted a total of 163/7, with Ryan Burl leading the way with 61 runs off 43 balls after being dropped at 30. His partnership with Raza stabilized Zimbabwe's innings following a shaky start, as Kenya's Lucas Ndandason claimed two early wickets. Lower-order contributions from Clive Madande (17 off 14 balls) and Tashinga Musekiwa (14 off 9 balls) helped Zimbabwe surpass expectations.

In response, Kenya struggled against Zimbabwe's sharp fielding and effective bowling. Trevor Gwandu and Raza each took three wickets, while Brandon Mavuta added two more, as Kenya was bowled out for 102 in 19.1 overs. Ndandason's 24 off 19 balls was the highest score for the hosts, who were left disappointed by their performance but buoyed by the progress towards the 2026 World Cup.

Elsewhere in the tournament, Mozambique defeated Gambia by six wickets at Ruaraka. Damilao Couana's 76 not out off 50 balls anchored Mozambique’s run-chase, successfully reaching the 143-run target in 18.5 overs. Earlier, Gambia set a score of 142/5, with Bubacarr Kuyateh scoring 33 runs before being dismissed by Dario Macome. Mozambique’s win secured their third-place finish, while Gambia remained winless at the bottom of the standings.

In another match, Rwanda triumphed over Seychelles by 73 runs at Ruaraka. Yves Cyusa starred with both bat and ball, scoring 30 off 23 balls and taking three wickets. Rwanda posted a total of 146/9, with Isae Niyomugabo contributing 39 runs. In their bowling efforts, Rwanda restricted Seychelles to 73/9 in 20 overs, with Cyusa’s three-wicket haul proving decisive. Rwanda finished the tournament in fourth place, while Seychelles ended in fifth with a single win.

The conclusion of the Sub-regional Qualifier B sets the stage for the 2025 Africa Regional Finals, where Kenya will aim to secure their spot in the global T20 World Cup competition.