NAIROBI, Kenya, October 6- Eldine Baptiste’s greatest moment as a coach came last year when his Stanford Superstars XI beat England in a Twenty20 match and clinch $20 million (Sh1.5 billion) in prize money.That team which was made up of the Caribbean’s best stunned a lacklustre England side to bank the biggest cash prize in world sport and bragging rights.
Fast forward to 2009 and the less glamorous Zimbabwean town of Kwekwe, the setting for Kenya’s three day Intercontinental Cup match against the hosts on Wednesday.
Maurice Ouma and company are currently second in the competition standings 23 points behind Scotland.
The tourists will not be blamed for claiming to have inside knowledge of what to expect over the next three days as former captain Steve Tikolo and Thomas Odoyo are now based in the Southern African country.
Kenya won their last fixture against Canada by 247 runs in Ontario back in August after losing to Ireland the previous month.
The first class match will act as precursor to the four One Day Internationals (ODIs) which will surely test Baptiste’s credentials as a coach of international repute.
The tourists are currently second on the Intercontinental Cup standings behind Scotland after a victory over Canada and a draw against Ireland.
Baptiste called up former Kenya captain Ragheb Aga to replace young tyro Seren Waters who is unavailable due to studies.
Zimbabwe have made five changes to their side that drew their previous game against Afghanistan.
KENYA (squad): Maurice Ouma (capt), Rageb Aga, Steve Tikolo, David Obuya, Rakep Patel, Alex Obanda, Collins Oduya, Nehimiah Odhiambo, Thomas Odoyo, Jimmy Kamande, Eligah Otieno, Lameck Onyango, Alfred Luseno, Peter Ogondo, Hiren Varalya.
ZIMBABWE XI (squad): Vusi Sibanda (capt), Friday Kasteni, Chamu Chibabha, Gregory Strydom, Forster Mutizwa, Regis Chikabvha, Timycen Maruma, Kyle Jarvis, Shingirai Masakadza, Ed Rainsford, John Nyumbu, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Samuel Mwakayemi.