Whether this will turn out to be Steve Tikolo's last match for Kenya is something likely to always be in question, but if it is, he has bowed out in fine style with a match winning performance in the 11th place play-off against Kenya at Sharjah today.

Batting after winning the toss, Kenya's opening pair of Nehemiah Odhiambo and Steve Tikolo put on 58 for the first wicket before both batsmen fell in quick succession, Tikolo having scored 40 from just 23 balls.

Kenyan captain Collins Obuya played the anchor role for the rest of the innings, scoring a relatively patient 40 to equal Tikolo's score before he was out four balls from the end. Kenya's total was 146-7 from their 20 overs.

Ashish Bagai batted well in Canada's reply to score 48, but no batsman was able to score quickly enough over an extended period to enable the Canadians to overcome Kenya's total. They were bowled out for 125, losing by 21 runs, Steve Tikolo completing a fine all-round performance with 3-16.

It is indicative of the odd way the ICC assigns different status to different matches within the same tournament that this match was a full Twenty20 International when most, possibly all, of the top ten play-offs will not be.

Both teams will now regroup over the Christmas period as they prepare for the 50 over World Cup Qualifier in New Zealand in January. Both will need to play a lot better if they are to retain their HPP/ODI status and keep the increased funding that goes with it.