DELHI, India (CMC) — Canada defeated luckless Kenya by five wickets yesterday to claim their first win of the 2011 World Cup, in a battle of the basement teams in Group A.

Chasing a modest but tricky 199, the Americas side were propelled by a century fourth-wicket stand between Jimmy Hansra (70) and captain Ashish Bagai (64 not out), as they reached their target comfortably with 27 balls to spare at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.

The contest hung in the balance at 48 for three in the 12th over but Hansra and Bagai rode their luck in adding 132 from 191 balls in a carefully constructed partnership, ensuring Canada’s first win in a World Cup since they beat Bangladesh in 2003.

Hansra, in only his 11th One-Day International, stroked seven fours and two sixes, while Bagai carved out seven fours.

Dropped by Seren Waters at mid-on off off-spinner James Ngoche before he had scored, Hansra made a listless Kenya pay for their indiscretion as he grabbed the chance to compile his first international half-century.

Earlier, Kenya needed two crucial half-century stands to shore up an innings tottering at 57 for five in the 15th over, after they won the toss and opted to bat first.

Fast bowler Henry Osinde, who finished with four for 26, grabbed the first three wickets to fall as Kenya slumped but Tanmay Mishra (51) put on 52 for the sixth wicket with captain Jimmy Kamande (22) to stage the first recovery.

Mishra, who hit three fours, then added another 57 for the seventh wicket with Thomas Odoyo, whose 51 required 62 balls and contained five fours and one six.

Kenya remain bottom of the table without a point from four matches.