Zimbabwe and Kenya are the early front runners for progression to the next stage of African qualifying for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka after wins over Mozambique and Rwanda today in Nairobi.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss at the Gymkhana Club Ground this morning and chose to bowl first against Mozambique. The Zimbabwean bowlers made short work of their opponents, bowling them out for 56, with Richard Ngarava taking 4-16 and Blessing Muzarabani taking 3-8.

Zimbabwe then knocked off the required runs in just five overs to win by nine wickets, Brian Bennett scoring 31 from 19 balls.

In the afternoon game at the same ground, Rwanda batted first after winning the toss against hosts Kenya and scored 100-7, with Didier Ndikubwimana top scoring with 29. Kenya started poorly and were 15-3 within the first four overs and 30-4 after eight. Irfan Karim and Sachin Bhudia then added 67 for the fifth wicket before the latter was out for 39. Karim finished unbeaten on 30 to secure the five wicket win with five overs to spare.

Kenya batting during today's game (Cricket Kenya)

There was another match scheduled for the morning session, but Gambia have still not arrived at the tournament and Seychelles were awarded the match via walkover.

Tomorrow is a rest day in Nairobi, and when play resumes on Tuesday, Mozambique will play Seychelles in the morning, whilst the afternoon session will see Zimbabwe take on Rwanda and Kenya come up against - if they arrive - Gambia.