On this day in 2009, Canada commenced a brief two match ODI series with Kenya at Maple Leaf Cricket Club (King City, ON).
The scene was set for an exciting contest between two familiar foes. Kenya had dominated Canada thus far in the series, having claimed an impressive 247 run victory over the hosts in an Intercontinental Cup 4-day match played over the preceding days. The Kenyan danger man, Steve Tikolo, had inflicted heavy damage on Canada, amassing 326 runs (158 & 169) in the ICUP match, and was a force to be reckoned. The Kenyan’s were confident, however Canada were still fresh of their unexpected 2nd place finish at the 2009 ICC World Cup qualifiers, and were keen to turn the tide.
Winning the toss, and under cloudy skies, Canada sent Kenya to bat with expectations that their experienced crew of seamers would exploit the conditions. Those expectations were answered with a cautious start from the Kenyans, followed by Henry Osinde’s ruthless dismissal of opener David Obuya (2) in the 5th over. The table was set for what was to come. Khurram Chohan unleashed a fierce spell of swing bowling that removed Alex Obanda for 5, and produced a simply sublime in-winger, a ball of the decade type delivery, to the dazed and confused Kenyan legend Tikolo.
Dazed and confused, Kenya’s Steve Tikolo is bowled by Khurram Chohan August 19th, 2009, King City ON
Led by man of the match Chohan (4-26), and supported by his battery mates Henry Osinde (2-36), Harvir Baidwan (2-34), and Rizwan Cheema (2-15), Canada delivered a knock out blow to the Kenyan’s leaving them all out for 113 in 33.1 overs. Maurice Ouma provided the sole resistance for the tourists, registering 43 not out from 79 balls.
The Canadian reply was led by Rizwan Cheema who bludgeoned the Kenyan attack with 76 from 30 balls including 10 boundaries, 4 sixes, and supported largely by Abdool “Birdie” Samad who remained unbeaten on 30.
Canada coasted to victory in 16.1 overs.