Canada Maul Cayman Islands At U-19 World Cup Qualifiers

By Ravi Madholall in Toronto
Canada mauled hapless Cayman Islands by a massive 391-run margin on Friday at the Maple Leaf ground, King City, Toronto in the continuation of the 2020 International Cricket Council Under-19, 50-over World Cup Americas Region Qualifiers.

It was Canada third game in the five-team round-robin tournament with the top side heading to South Africa for next year’s ICC World Cup event.

They are now three wins as many matches and their closest rivals USA have also notched up three consecutive victories. USA drew the bye at the aforementioned day but Bermuda nailed a comfortable 151-run over Argentina at the same venue.

However, the day was illuminated with two of Canada’s bright batting prospects. Skipper Asthan Deosammy cracked an unbeaten 155 while opener Eshan Senarma fashioned his way to a fluent 105 as Canada piled up a gigantic 441-5 from the allotted 50-overs.

When Cayman Islands batted, their pathetic participation continued as they were dismantled for only 50 in the 26th over.

No batsman was able to cross the double-figures as Canada’s combination of pace and spin proved too potent on an animated pitch under some rainy and threatened clouds. Canada had won the toss.

Deosammy, an 18-year-old right-handed batsman appeared at number 5 and immediately began his innings with timely aggression. He survived few chances but generally his innings was admirable as he and the other centurion Sensarma scored with freedom.

From his 106-ball occupation at the crease, Deosammmy, who reached the boundary on twelve occasions and cleared it nine times, also featured in a steady and handsome third-wicket stand with Sensarma who only tucked away eight fours.

Joining the runs fest were Sensarma’s companion Randhir Sandhu who stroke 49 and Udaybir Walia with 38. Spinners Gabriel Harrington-Myers and Revaughn Johnson could not spare the onslaught but ably picked up two wickets apiece for 76 and 83 runs respectively from their ten overs each.

Deosammy who also proved his all-round capability, tormented the batsmen with his gentle off-break to finish with 3-2 from 2.5 overs to claim the player-of-the-match award. Apart from Deosammy’s heroic show, left-arm orthodox spinner Raqib Shamsundeen also grabbed three wickets for four runs from six overs while the impressive left-arm seamer Muhammad Kamal excellently supported with 2-5 from four overs to help the rapid demolition.

Meanwhile, Bermuda finally had something to celebrate winning their first match on tour after suffered heavy defeats at the hands of the hosts and USA. A fine all-round performance from their leader Denzel Richardson was enough to spur them to their win.

Bermuda batted first after winning the toss and tallied up a sufficient 201-9 at the expiration of the 50-overs while the winless Argentina folded for 50 off 26-overs. Richardson scored an even half-century while he snatched three wickets for 11 runs from ten leg-spin overs. Supporting him in the bowling department was right-arm medium-pacer Nirobi Smith-Mills, who collected 3-26 in his ten-over stint.

Both matches were played simultaneously. The players are due for a break on Saturday but the final round is slated for Sunday at the same facility. Underdogs Argentina and Cayman Islands will do battle while in a virtual championship clash, USA and Canada face each other.