Day 4 of the ICC Americas Division 1 Championship saw both Bermuda and USA confirmed as the Americas Region representatives to go to the T20 World Cup Qualifier in Dubai. Canada had qualified automatically but Bermuda’s win over the Cayman Islands confirmed their place and assured the USA of a place regardless of their last two results. Suriname also recorded their first win as an Associate member when they defeated Argentina.
Bhim George 3 for 28 couldn't stop Canada. Photo by Shiek Mohamed
In the first match on day 4, Argentina won the toss and elected to bat. They were in trouble early and found themselves 11-3. Three batsmen managed to reach double figures but no one passed 15. Suriname’s captain Troy Dudnath bowled his four overs for a miserly 2 runs and collected a wicket while his teammate Mohindra Boodhram returned remarkable figures of 5-14.
In reply the ICCs newest Associate member recorded a deserved victory, passing their target 5 wickets down with an over to spare. This was largely thanks to 36 not out from Arun Gokoel and 19 from Mohindra Boodhram, capping his fine all round display. Donald Forrester was the pick of the Argentine attack with 2-23.
In the days second game Bermuda won the toss and asked the Cayman Islands to bat. Gordon made 23 and Best made 22 as they reached 77 all out. Bermuda batted and fielded well and accepted the chances offered in the outfield. The youngsters Jones and Leverock were the pick of the bowlers for Bermuda.
The Bermudan openers Cann and Hemp were in control from ball one and passed the target without any scares with almost 5 overs to spare. Cann recorded another half century while Hemp played the supporting role.
In the days final game Canada won the toss and elected to bat in the daylight. Sandher and Wadia got the innings off to flying start with 72 coming from 9 overs before the first wicket went down. That was followed by a constant stream of wickets as Canada gave away wickets with poor shots. Orlando Baker was the pick of the USA attack with 3-13. The final score was 131 all out when, at half way, 180 was looking realistic.
In reply the USA recovered from losing an early wicket and Nadkarni, Mishra and Messiah looked to be guiding the innings towards the target but from 81-3 they fell to 121-9 and eventually fell short. Dhindsa and Hussain were the best bowlers from Canada.
Canada 131 all out, 19.2 overs (Wadia 56, Sandher 23; Baker 3-13, George 3-28)
USA 121-9, 20 overs (Nadkarni 40; Dhindsa 3-27, Hussain 2-17)
In the final days play of the tournament, Bermuda takes on the USA, Cayman and Argentina face off and Canada plays Suriname in the day-night match.
