Kenya 198 all out; Canada 199-5 in 45.3 overs.
Canada secured their second-ever WC victory by coolly and calculatedly reaching the modest target of 199 set them by Kenya in Group A action today at New Delhi. Captain Ashish Bagai (64 n.o.) and Jimmy Hansra (70) led the charge with a respectable 132-run fourth-wicket partnership. Canada’s first WC win was recorded at Durban, South Africa in 2003 against Bangladesh.
Winning the toss, Kenya opted to bat first but an inspired spell of pace-bowling by Henry Osinde quickly had them reeling against the ropes. The tall Ugandan-born bowler finished the day with a career best figure of 4-26, including two uprooted stumps. Opener Maurice Ouma was his first victim, falling to the second ball of the match. It was Canada’s third successive win over Kenya. Rizwan Cheema and Harvir Baidwan were also economical in their spells at 2-30 and 2-42, respectively.
Both Tanmay Mishra and Thomas Odoyo contributed half-centuries (51 each) for the Kenyans. Collins Obuya also provided a courageous counter attack with a flamboyant innings of 31, but it was not enough to ensure against defeat.
Throughout the tournament, Canada’s bowling and fielding have been competitive, but it was their batting, until today, that has let them down. Their next match is against New Zealand on Sunday, 13 March at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. This win will certainly be a morale booster for the men in red as the face a more seasoned, competitive opposition.
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