Canada, heavy favourites going in, were upset by Malaysia in the WCL Division 3 tournament in Entebbe today. Canada had won both their previous matches easily while Malaysia had lost both theirs.
However it was Canada who struggled, bowled out for 141 in 48.5 overs, and it was only thanks to a 44 run 8th wicket partnership between top-scorer Nikhil Dutta (30) and Saad Bin Zafar, after Canada had fallen to 95/7. Malaysia bowled four spinners who gave little away, and despite seven bats reaching double figures, no-one played the significant innings required. Canada needed to take wickets to stand a chance but Malaysia, needing less than three runs per over, kept the spinners at bay, and won by 6 wickets with 12 overs to spare.
Canada’s record is now 2 wins, one loss, and they are in a real battle for a top two placing, with Oman and Singapore also with two wins. Canada still top the table on net run rate.

Malaysia won the toss and put Canada in. Junaid Siddiqui came in for Jimmy Hansra, with the team otherwise unchanged. Kumar and Adhihetty put on 22 for the first wicket but then the captain was caught and bowled for 11, and Adhihetty also hit a return catch an over later. Dhaliwal and Pathirana attempted to be build the innings, taking the score to 64 before Dhaliwal was caught for 19. Junaid Siddiqui made 10 before being caught leg before, and four balls later Pathirana was run out- 84/5 in the 29th over.
Canada were in trouble and then another two quick wickets – Rizwan Cheema caught for 6 and Hamza Tariq bowled for a duck left them struggling to bat out their overs – 94 on the board and only three wickets left. The Malaysian spinners bowled tightly and scoring was difficult as Dutta and Saad Bin Zafar tried to set a defendable total. Their 8th wicket partnership of 44 was the best of the innings, and took Canada to the 47th over before Saad Bin Zafar was stumped for 16, and Dutta (30) followed two balls later for 30. A run out finished off the innings and Canada were all out for 141 in 48.5 overs.

Cecil Pervez bowled two overs when Malaysia batted but Kumar immediately turned to spin at the other end, and Dutta soon replace Pervez, taking a wicket in his first over. At the lunch break, Malaysia were 19/1 from 9 overs. With less than three an over required, Malaysia could concentrate on keeping wickets intact, and the next wicket did not fall until they’d reached 82. Another wicket followed immediately to leave Malatsia on 83/3 with 27 overs left. This gave Canada brief glimmer of hope, but this was extinguished by another steady partnership that took Malaysia to within 3 runs of victory. Malaysia won by 6 wickets with 12 overs to spare.

Canada now face the USA tomorrow in a critically important match. A win will put Canada in an excellent position for a top two finish, while a loss could see the end of their promotion hopes.

CricInfo scorecard

In other matches Singapore made 238/3 to beat the USA.
Uganda were well beaten by Oman who bowled them out for 144, and then knocked off the runs in 27 overs for the loss of four wickets.
Canada, Oman and Singapore are now tied on points, each with two wins and a loss; USA, Malaysia and Uganda all have one win and two losses.