Entering the game with Canada struggling at 46/3 in 13.2 overs, Nicholas Kirton adeptly handled the situation. From the outset, he remained calm and steadily worked towards the target by taking singles and respecting good deliveries.
Kirton's good form was an added advantage, having scored 208 runs in his last six innings, including three half-centuries.
A partnership of 64 runs with Wijeyeratne in just under 15 overs put U.A.E. under pressure, especially due to the confident handling of the opposition bowling by the pair. Kirton was fortunate to survive a dropped catch while attempting a sweep off the first ball of the 23rd over with Canada at 74/3. However, the catch was a diving one and the shot was hit with considerable power. Siddique had the opportunity to dismiss Kirton in the 26th over, but the keeper failed to catch a sharp chance after Kirton poked at a ball angling in from around the wicket by Siddique.
After Wijeyeratne fell, Thaker and Movva also fell in quick succession, leaving Canada at a precarious 134/6 in 35.2 overs.
With only four wickets remaining and 61 runs to get, Kirton still had a lot to do, and he demonstrated exemplary leadership in this situation. At the time, Kirton was 40 not out and Bin Zafar was his able partner. Kirton kept risks to a minimum and guided the team to victory with an unbeaten 68 off 90 balls, including seven boundaries. He finished the chase in style with a nudge down to the third-man boundary.
Demonstrating his desire for runs, Kirton was not entirely content when reminded that he had achieved four half-centuries in his last seven innings.
He stated:
“Big batsmen score hundreds, once I get there, then we can talk about that (making it look easy).”