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Pathirana leads the way as Canada defeats U.S. in cricket one-dayer

May 27, 2017 | 10:00 AM

KAMPALA, Uganda — Dhanuka Pathirana smashed nine fours and added a six en route to 87 runs Saturday as Canada defeated the U.S. by 96 runs in ICC World Cricket League Division 3 play.

Canada improved to 3-1-0 with the victory, bouncing back after Friday’s loss to Malaysia.

Canada is one of six teams looking to win one of two promotion spots to Division 2 and continue on the road to the 2018 ICC Cricket World Cup qualifier. The Canadian men played in three straight World Cups from 2003 to 2011 but have fallen down the pecking order in recent years.

The U.S. won the toss and put Canada in to bat. Teenage opener Bhavindu Adhihetty scored 67 and captain Nitish Kumar added 30.