Canada bounced back from their comprehensive Intercontinental Cup defeat by trouncing Kenya by 9 wickets in the first ODI at King City. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Canada seamed the ball around and bowled Kenya out cheaply before being powered to victory by a vintage Rizwan Cheema innings.

Henry Osinde and Khurram Chohan shared a dream new ball bowling partnership, slashing through the Kenyan top order and essentially winning the game within the first hour. Osinde was first to strike, trapping David Obuya leg before wicket for 2 runs in the fifth over of the day. Then it was Chohan's turn as he bowled three batsmen in the span of 6 balls - Alex Obdanda and Seren Waters were gone, but most importantly Steve Tikolo who made twin centuries at the weekend was gone for naught, seeing his off stump pegged back by a delivery that he had left alone. Kenya were 26 for 4.

It didn't get much better for Kenya, as the only batter to make a significant number of runs was Morris Ouma who amassed 43 runs and remained at the crease until the end of the innings. Partners came and went quickly, with Nehemiah Odhiambo being the next-best batsman, making 16 before his stumps were scattered by Henry Osinde. When the dust had settled, Kenya were all out for 113, lasting only 33.1 overs in their innings and leaving Canada an hour to start their run chase before the lunch break.

Chohan was by far the best bowler, taking 4 wickets for 26 runs in his ten over spell and earning an obvious man of the match selection. Osinde, Harvir Baidwan, and Rizwan Cheema also took two wickets each and never let their feet off the pedal in skittling the Kenyan order.

Cheema was his usual self with the bat, playing power shots to every delivery and bringing oohs and aahs out of the crowd with some spectacular results. He made a 50 off of just 24 balls and ended up the innings not out on 76 runs from 38 - a strike rate of exactly 200. His innings included 10 fours and four magnificent sixes, the last of which sailed into the adjacent farmer's field to close out the match with Canada making 117 for 1 from just 16.2 overs to earn a 9 wicket victory. Abdool samad also chipped in 30 runs to help Canada's cause. The only wicket was taken by Thomas Odoyo who managed figures of 1 for 10 from 3 overs.

So Canada have a 1-0 lead in the 3 ODI series with the next match to be played on Friday here at Maple Leaf. It will be little consolation after losing the Intercontinental Cup match, but still a welcome occurence for the Canadian side.