Pacer Jeremy Gordon Bowls Canada To Victory With Sixfer

By Ravendra Madholall
Quickie Jeremy Gordon admirably delivered with precision and hostility to churn out an outstanding bowling performance for Canada at the 50-overs World Cup Qualifiers bagging 6-43 from ten overs helping his team sealing off a commanding 90-run win over hapless Papua New Guinea (PNG).

On Wednesday in Namibia, the Guyanese made the impression but Canada still could not qualify for the next qualifier segment to be held in Zimbabwe June/July. Their World Cup hopes were dashed amid the victorious outcome.

PNG was dismissed for 128 in the 37th over in pursuit of Canada’s formidable 218-8 from the maximum 50-overs.

Gordon, who represented Guyana at the under-19 and senior level, bounded in with undiminished enthusiasm as no batter was able to handle his intimidating pace as well.

Tony Ura offered a fleeting fight nevertheless with 36 but his team PNG ended the six-team round-robin tournament in great disappointment failing to tuck out a win from their five stipulated matches.

Canada pulled off three victories but left stranded at number 4 with six points. United States of America and United Arab Emirates (UAE) are the two teams emerged as number 1 and 2 winners respectively and subsequently have now advanced.

Canada’s innings was built around a steady 66 from the inform middle-order batsman Pargat Singh while opener Aaron Johnson also showed elegance at the crease with 53 and captain Saad Bin Zafar, who is predominantly a left-arm orthodox spinner, chipped in with 28.

Seamer John Kariko was the most successful bowler for PNG on an animated track. Left-arm fast-bowler Semo Kamea also in the wicket-column but with less-impressive figures ended the campaign by claiming 2-56 off his ten overs.

The 36-year-old Gordon, who also featured for West Indies youth team, was named player-of-the-match for his sterling bowling display. He has been a regular member of Canada National side for the past decade.

The other two participating countries: Namibia finished at number 3 while Jersey only triumphed on a solitary occasion to sit at number 5.

Meanwhile, the World Cup Qualification Pathway will see ten teams battling it out for the two remaining spots. The mega event will be played in India October/November. India have gained automatic qualification due to hosting the tournament.

England are the defending champions with the other teams already confirmed are: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan and South Africa.

USA and UAE will be joined by Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Ireland, Nepal, Oman and Scotland.

The action bowls off June 18 and will conclude July 9.