Kenya vs Malawi T20I 8th Match 2025 Details
- Date: Sunday, 28 September 2025
- Time: 11:50 AM UTC (≈ 5:20 PM IST)
- Venue: Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
This fixture is part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final, 2025 (Group A).
Also read- Zimbabwe vs Botswana T20 7th Match, 2025
Kenya vs Malawi: Historical Context & Head-to-Head
Kenya and Malawi have faced each other multiple times in T20 and associate-level matches. In recent head-to-head trends, Kenya holds a dominant record over Malawi.
Kenya has won a majority of their encounters in the last five matches. Malawi, historically a weaker side in T20I competition, has had limited success against stronger African associates.
For Malawi, the 2025 Malawi Quad Nations T20 Cup was a notable recent event where they competed on home soil, though none of those matches were against Kenya.
Kenya, meanwhile, has more exposure in regional tournaments and has often been competitive in African qualifiers.
Given that Kenya typically enters such fixtures with a psychological edge, Malawi will need to produce an upset to overturn expectations.
Team Form & Key Players
Kenya
Kenya’s recent run in the qualifier has been mixed, with some losses in earlier matches.
Probable XI names include Pushkar Sharma, Dhiren Gondaria (captain), Sachin Bhudia, Rakep Patel, Sukhdeep Singh (wicketkeeper), Jasraj Kundi, Lucas Ndandason, Vraj Patel, Vishil Patel, Peter Langat, and Aaftab Limdawala.
Among batters, Sharma and Gondaria provide aggression at the top. The middle order with Bhudia and the Patels must stabilize the innings.
On the bowling front, the spin attack (Patel, Kundi) and medium-pacers (Langat, Aaftab) will be pivotal. Discipline and control will matter on a possibly tricky surface in Harare.
Malawi
Malawi’s T20I experience is limited in comparison; their strength lies in key players like Moazzam Baig, Sami Sohail, and Gift Kansonkho. Moazzam Baig is their leading wicket-taker historically in T20Is for Malawi.
Sami Sohail is one of their top run-getters, capable of creating impact innings. The batting depth is vulnerable.
If they lose early wickets, the middle order may struggle against disciplined bowling. Their bowling attack may lack depth in pace or variation, which Kenya could exploit.
Match Conditions & Pitch Outlook
Takashinga Sports Club in Harare is a venue known to offer a balance between bat and ball, though early in tournaments, pitch conditions may favor batsmen more.
The pitch might assist spinners as the match progresses, and the toss could be influential for those choosing to bat first under predictable conditions.
Given the midday-to-afternoon scheduling and possible dry conditions, dew might be limited, making defending a total somewhat easier.
Teams might prefer to bat first and set a target, especially since the pressures of qualifying matches often push sides to put runs on the board rather than chase.
Tactical Battles & Keys to Victory
- Top-order start vs new ball: Whichever team gives their openers a solid platform will gain an advantage.
- Spin exploitation: As the middle overs arrive, spin control or breakthroughs will tilt the balance.
- Death overs execution: Efficient use of the last 4-5 overs with bat or ball could decide the result.
- Middle-order resilience: Teams that lose two or three early wickets must have depth to recover.
- Fielding and extras: In a tight contest, fielding lapses or extra deliveries (no-balls, wides) may cost dearly.
Kenya’s more balanced side suggests they may handle pressure better. Malawi must hope for a standout performance from Baig or Sohail, or exploit any lapses in Kenya’s plan.
Kenya vs Malawi: Prediction & Outlook
Given form, head-to-head trends, and squad balance, Kenya enters this match as the clear favorite. However, T20 cricket is volatile.
If Malawi can strike early and clip Kenya’s momentum, they could pull off a surprise.
A safe prediction: Kenya to win by 5–8 wickets or by 20–30 runs if batting first.
But don’t discount Malawi’s chance of causing an upset if they get momentum early.
Kenya vs Malawi: Probable Playing XI
Kenya (Probable XI)
- Pushkar Sharma
- Dhiren Gondaria (C)
- Sachin Bhudia
- Rakep Patel
- Sukhdeep Singh (wk)
- Jasraj Kundi
- Lucas Ndandason
- Vraj Patel
- Vishil Patel
- Peter Langat
- Aaftab Limdawala / Sami Sohail
Malawi (Probable XI)
- Gift Kansonkho
- Sami Sohail
- Moazzam Baig
- Donnex Kansonkho
- Daniel Jakiel
- Nehemiah Ngoche
- Brave Chibwana
- Chisomo Jalani
- Mohamed Abdulla
- Gerald Phiri
- Mphatso Kateta
FAQ’s
What is the significance of this 8th match?
This match is part of the Africa Regional Final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2025. A win here is crucial for qualification and gaining momentum in the group.
Has Kenya beaten Malawi often in T20 cricket?
Yes. Kenya holds a superior head-to-head record against Malawi, having won the majority of their recent clashes.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
From Kenya: Pushkar Sharma, Dhiren Gondaria, Rakep Patel, Vraj Patel. From Malawi: Moazzam Baig, Sami Sohail.
What is likely a winning strategy for Malawi?
They must aim for early breakthroughs, keep tight discipline, and rely on top performers to deliver. Anything less than a strong start may make recovery difficult.
Does the toss matter in Harare conditions?
Yes — batting first might be preferred due to pitch conditions and the spin potential later. The side that wins the toss may choose to bat to set a challenging total.