Canada wins Toronto thriller against Kenya in Intercontinental Cu

Toronto, Aug 2 (UNI) Left arm quickie Umar Bhatti dashed Kenyan hopes with a six-wicket haul as Canada won their Group B Intercontinental Cup match by a narrow 25-run margin here today.

Canada were all out for 235 in their first innings and it was a hardly better show in the second essay which saw them folding up for 286.

Kenya, after scoring 231 in their first innings, needed 246 runs to win with eight wickets in hand when the match started today.

Captain Steve Tikolo (50) and Tony Suji (33) crafted a 75-run partnership before both departed in quick succession.

Hitesh Modi (41) and Collins Obuya (81) tried to stem the rot but Bhatti had other ideas and his devastating spell had Obuya stranded 11 runs short of his century and Kenya 25 runs short of victory.

Canada's 20 points in this match would boost their bid to qualify for the final, while Kenya's loss is a severe blow to their chances of moving forward from this group. Canada's next match will be against their region rivals Bermuda at the same venue August 12-15.

Brief score: Canada 235 and 286 Kenya 231 and 265 UNI XC AY DS1645