Chennai, Feb 20: New Zealand beat Kenya by 10 wickets in a one-sided game at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk. Where Bangladesh at least challenged to chase down India's imposing total in the opening match, Kenya hardly threatened the Kiwis in this game. New Zealand openers, Martin Guptill (39 not out) and Brendon Mc Cullum (26 not out), overhauled the target in just eight overs.

Electing to bat first, Kenya were all out for a meager 69 runs. Although they started out watchfully, without losing a wicket in the first six overs, their batting crumbled after the fall of Alex Obanda’s wicket. The next four wickets were snapped-up by Hamish Bennett who finished with a four-for. With Tim Southee and Jacob Oram cleaning-up the tail, Kenya’s batting was wrapped-up in 23.5 overs.

16 was the highest individual score for Kenya by Seren Waters and Rakep Patel.

A comprehensive victory is probably the perfect confidence booster for the Black Caps after a series of forgettable performances in the recent past.

Brief Score: Kenya 69 all out in 23.5 overs (Seren Waters 16, Rakep Patel 16*, Hamish Bennett 4/16, Jacob Oram 3/2, Tim Southee 3/13) lost to New Zealand 72/0 (Martin Guptill 39*, B McCullum 26*) by 10 wickets.