Cricket fans in Kenya and Zimbabwe are celebrating the qualification of both countries in the Super Six round at the sport's premier event, the World Cup.
In Bulawayo Tuesday, host Zimbabwe reached the World Cup Super Sixes when its final group game with Pakistan was abandoned because of rain. Both teams were awarded two points. That lifted Zimbabwe above England into third place in the Group-A standings behind India and defending Cricket World Cup champion Australia. Zimbabwe finished the group round with 14 points from six matches. India had 20 points, and the Australians had the maximum 24 points. Zimbabwe team captain Heath Streak said his team is elated to get to the Super Six round.
Meanwhile, in Kimberley, South Africa Tuesday, the West Indies beat Kenya by 142 runs in a Cricket World Cup Group-B match. Opening batsman Chris Gayle smashed 119 off 151 balls to help the West Indies tally a total of 246 for seven. The Caribbean bowlers then stopped the Kenyans for only 104 runs inside 36 overs. Kenyan captain Steve Tikolo said the team didn't bat very well, but will hopefully play better in the Super Six stage. The Kenyans move on with 16 points from six matches. Sri Lanka topped the group table with 18 points, while New Zealand also qualified for the Super Six round with 16 points.
Kenya and Zimbabwe will play their opening matches in the Cricket World Cup's Super Six stage in South Africa. The Kenyans will meet India Friday in Cape Town, while the Zimbabweans will play New Zealand Saturday in Bloemfontein.