Kenya has sealed 11th position in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2013 (WT20Q) following an all-round performance by veteran Steve Tikolo that saw the side defeat Canada by 21 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday in a rankings play-off.
In other rankings matches played, Uganda defeated Bermuda by 11 runs at ICC Academy Oval 2, Dubai, to finish 13th, and the USA overcame Denmark by 21 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, to finish 15th.
After choosing to bat, Kenya put on runs quickly, with Tikolo striking eight boundaries on his way to a 23-ball 40. Skipper Collins Obuya scored 40, including three sixes, to help post a total of 146 for the loss of seven wickets.
Chasing its third win of the tournament, Canada lost two early wickets before captain Ashish Bagai came to the crease, crafting a patient 48 to keep his side in the chase. However, wickets fell regularly around him, and Hamza Tariq (22) was the only other batsman to make a contribution. When Bagai was run out in the last over, Canada finished on 125, 22 runs short of victory, and man of the match Tikolo was the highest wicket-taker of the day, claiming three for 16 runs.
Uganda defeated Bermuda by 11 runs to claim 13th position in the tournament after an all-round effort at the ICC Academy Oval 2, Dubai.
After electing to bat, Uganda skipper Davis Arinaitwe and Hamza Saleh crafted a 58-run partnership for the fourth wicket to guide the side to 134 for seven from its 20 overs.
In its reply, Bermuda veteran David Hemp (53) and skipper Janeiro Tucker (30) made the major contributions with the bat, but it was not enough and the side finished on 123 for the loss of four wickets in its 20 overs.
The USA has secured 15th position in the tournament after Danial Ahmed claimed five wickets to lead the side to victory over Denmark by 21 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.
A 79-run opening stand between USA’s Steven Taylor (36) and Akeem Dodson (41) saw the USA post a total of 145 for the loss of seven wickets. Denmark’s Hamid Shah claimed the last three wickets of the innings to reduce the required run rate for his side, which was searching for its first victory of the tournament.
In reply, Denmark opener Carsten Pedersen (42 not out) again starred with the bat, and, alongside Frederik Klokker (40) put on a 62-run second wicket stand. However, Klokker became the first victim of Danial Ahmed, and after his wicket fell in the 12th over, Denmark lost seven wickets for 38 runs to finish at 124 for nine from its 20 overs. Ahmed finished with five wickets for 18 runs, the fourth five-for of the tournament.
For full match reports from each of today’s matches, please click here.
At ICC Academy Oval 2, Dubai
Uganda 134-7, 20 overs (Hamza Saleh 45, Roger Mukasa 22, Richard Okia 21; Kamau Leverock 2-24, Janeiro Tucker 2-28)
Bermuda 123-4, 20 overs (David Hemp 53, Janeiro Tucker 30; Brian Masaba 2-34)
Result: Uganda won by 11 runs
Man of the Match: Hamza Saleh (Uganda)
At Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
USA 145-7, 20 overs (Akeem Dodson 41, Steven Taylor 36, Japen Patel 30; Hamid Shah 3-20, Bashir Shah 2-25)
Denmark 124-9, 20 overs (Carsten Pedersen 42 not out, Frederik Klokker 40; Danial Ahmed 5-18)
Result: USA won by 21 runs
Man of the Match: Daniel Ahmed (USA)
At Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Kenya 146-7, 20 overs (Steve Tikolo 40, Collins Obuya 40; Raza Rehman 2-16, Jeremy Gordon 2-30)
Canada 125 all out, 19.2 overs (Ashish Bagai 48, Hamza Tariq 22; Steve Tikolo 3-16, Ragheb Aga 2-15)
Result: Kenya won by 21 runs
Man of the Match: Steve Tikolo (Kenya)
