Scotland's top order made a blistering start to the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2012 as the European side defeated Kenya by 14 runs in a Group A match at the ICC GCA, Over 1, Dubai Sports City on Tuesday.

In one of the two matches of the day which carried Twenty20 International (T20I) status, Scotland batted first and posted an imposing 178 for seven. In turn, Kenya gave Scotland a run for its money before running out of steam to be bowled out for 164 on the final delivery of the match.

The impressive aspect of the match was the performance of Scotland's top order which fired very early in the tournament to send a warning to the other sides.

Openers Calum Macleod (55) and Richard Berrington (28) provided Scotland a rapid start of 41 runs in 19 delivers before Macleod was joined by Kyle Coetzer (46) as the two batsmen added 83 runs in nearly 10 overs.

Preston Mommsen then gave nice finishing touches to the Scotland's innings when he hit two fours in a 15-ball 22 as the fifth seed side collected 31 runs in the last three overs.

Berrington seemed to be in a hurry as he slapped four fours in a 16-ball knock while Coetzer smashed six fours and a six in a 36-ball knock. Macleod was equally in a punishing mood, slapping seven fours in a 35-ball innings but more importantly he held his end together till the 14th over.

In turn, Kenya made a spirited fight but still fell short of the target.

Collins Obuya hit four fours and a six in a 36-ball 50 while Alex Obanda struck six fours and a six in his highly entertaining 17-ball 35.