Obuya books semi-final berth

Kenya's accurate bowling meant Canada resorted to some suicidal cricket

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Kenya moved into the semi-finals of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers following a four-wicket victory over Canada.

Needing 92 to win, the African side needed to reach their target by 18.3 overs or Canada would progress – a feat they achieved courtesy of Kennedy Obuya’s entertaining 40 at the top of the innings.

In a game of run-outs – Canada suffered three – it seemed appropriate that Kenya should begin their chase with a mix-up in the middle, Maurice Ouma scampering to no avail in the first over and being caught short at the bowler’s end.

Unfazed at being involved in the dismissal, Obuya produced the shot of the day when he creamed Henry Osinde for six over extra-cover. The quick bowler had looked dangerous against the Netherlands 24 hours earlier but Obuya showed him little respect.

The opener broke the back of the chase, combining with Nehemiah Odhiambo and captain Steve Tikolo to take his side close to victory.

When he swept John Davison for a large six in front of the pavilion in the tenth over it seemed the 36-year-old would steer the Kenya ship home.

He eventually fell, drilling a short ball straight down deep square-leg’s throat, giving Canada a glimmer of hope.

But it would be Kenya's day. With tension mounting, Alex Obanda’s inside edge for one sealed it.

Earlier in the afternoon, Davison made his intentions clear with a number of ungainly swipes and having sailed close to the wind on a few occasions, perished in the deep to leave his side 11 for one in the fourth over.

Kenya keeper Maurice Ouma whips off the bails - one of three run-outs

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Abdool Samad fell in similar fashion, top-edging an attempted pull shot off the accurate Thomas Odoyo who comfortably pouched the skied shot. It soon became 32 for three when Geoffrey Barnett was dismissed by Peter Ongonda who impressed during his opening burst.

Canada continued to throw their wickets away with Ashish Bagai the latest to fall, top-edging an attempted clip to the leg-side to be caught and bowled by Tony Suji.

They were soon 53 for six following a double blow instigated by Kenya skipper Steve Tikolo who ran out Zubin Surkari and then caught Sunil Dhaniram at gully off Suji's bowling.

Canada could not rid their insistence on pressing the self-destruct button with another run-out and another heave into the deep resulting in a further slump to 86 for nine.

Another run-out, this time Osinde, brought the Kenya innings to its conclusion.

Canada's defeat meant they finished bottom of Group B.