Canada loses opener to Kenya at ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament

Ruvindu Gunasekera (Photo courtesy of News of the South)

EDINBURGH – Irfan Karim hit 74 not out to lead Kenya to a seven-wicket win over Canada in the opening match for both teams Friday at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier.

Opener Ruvindu Gunasekera led the way with 51 as Canada finished at 143 for five after its 20 overs. Gunasekera slammed four sixes and three fours in his 38-ball inning.

Captain Rizwan Cheema added 35.

Kenya reached that total in 18.3 innings, rallying to finish at 146 for three after losing its first three wickets for just 52 runs.

The 14-team tournament runs through Juy 26 in Scotland and Ireland.

The top six sides will join the ICC’s 10 full members for the ICC World Twenty20 India 2016, which runs March 11 to April 3.

Canada is in Group B with Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Oman, Scotland and Kenya.