By Ravendra Madholall In Canada
Sudesh Dhaniram stroke a classy 60 and off-spinner Vijay Seonarine snared 4-11 (9 overs) to inspire West Indies to a comfortable 65-run victory over USA on Wednesday at Danville facility in Mississauga, Toronto.
It was the continuation of the Tri-Lateral over-50, 45-over series that includes host-nation Canada.
West Indies have now progressed to the final slated to be contested at the same venue Friday having emerged with the most points at the conclusion of the preliminary round. The lone semi-final is set for Thursday also at Danville between Canada and the Americans.
Known for his elegance, the former Guyana opener Dhaniram appeared at number 4 and reached the boundary on four occasions as West Indies totalled 178 all out off 41.2 overs while Seonarine, another ex-Guyana player, once again with identical figures from the previous day to help bowled out USA for 111 in the 42nd over.
West Indies are using this series to intensify their preparations for next year’s over-50 World Cup to be held in South Africa.
Dhaniram, now an American citizen, got contributions from opener Rajendra Sadeo who scored 28 while Sunil Dhaniram, the younger sibling of Sudesh, made 26. Both Dhanirams were engaged in a steady 60-run fourth-wicket stand after Sadeo, Krish Harricharran (12) and Shiv Seeram (04) departed. Seonarine, who got four wickets against Canada in the second match, showed some form with the bat as well scoring 22. Seamer Mohsin Khan grabbed 4-38 from his maximum nine overs while slow-bowler Sanjay Pandyan collected three wickets for 25 runs in his nine-over spell on a pitch that deemed lively.
When USA batted, they never suggested a win after losing wickets at regular intervals. Seamer Mohan Harihar, 2-25, instigated the early collapse by removing Faisal Aktar (01) LBW and had Parsi Ananta (14) caught at extra-cover before the introduction of the Berbician Seonarine who immediately struck. USA continued to struggle against the pace-spin combination reeling at 69-5. Only Syed Shahanawaz batted with a great amount of determination having top-scored with 24.
Meanwhile, on the adjacent ground, Canada suffered a one-wicket defeat at the hands of a Canada Select X1. Notably, the Canada Select X1 is participating up to the preliminary stage.
Skipper of West Indies Zamin Amin, a former Guyana youth player, stated that he was confident of his guys doing well and his team remains unbeaten with four victories, including of a practice encounter. The left-arm orthodox spinner noted that they will approach the championship game with the same level optimism and confidence. He mentioned that he is totally satisfied with the performances so far in every facet of the game and anxious to come out on top.