Harare: Openers David Obuya and Alex Obanda put on 119 as Kenya defeated Zimbabwe by 20 runs on Thursday to cut the deficit in the five-match ODI series to 2-1.

Kenya posted 266-9 in 50 overs with Collins Obuya blasting 52 down the order.

Zimbabwe were then given hope by a blistering 142-run stand for the fourth wicket by Brendan Taylor and Stuart Matsikenyeri after they lost early wickets with Thomas Odoyo removing Mark Vermeulen for seven and Charles Coventry for one.

Big-hitting Hamilton Masakadza smashed eight fours in a feisty 42, but man-of-the-match Nehemiah Odhiambo bagged him early in his spell -the first of his four wickets.

Hiren Varaiya ended the stand of Taylor (92) and Matsikenyeri (58).

Taylor hit seven fours and two sixes in 109 balls, but his dismissal proved decisive and with Sean Williams unable to bat through injury, Kenya wrapped up victory.

Brief score
Kenya: 266 for 9 (Obanda 65)
Zimbabwe: 246 (Taylor 92, Odhiambo 4-61) by 20 runs
Result: Kenya won by 20-runs
MOM: N Odhiambo (Kenya)