By Ravi Madholall
An authoritative, unbeaten 122 from skipper Srimantha Wijeyeratne and a five-wicket haul from medium-pacer Mark Montfort were enough to inspire Canada to a comfortable two-wicket win over Bermuda in their 50-over friendly match on Friday at King City ground, Toronto.
Canada Srimantha Wijeyeratne struck 122 in a friendly game against Bermuda. Photo by WICB Media/Ashley Allen
Bermuda took first strike after winning the toss and posted a respectable 230-8 from the allocation of 50-overs, while the hosts, in response, safely reached 231-8 with 11 overs to spare.
The stocky right-hander Wijeyeratne batted with supreme confidence having hit 11 exquisite fours and two sixes in his 154-ball stay at the crease.
Wijeyeratne, who represented his native Sri Lanka at the Under-19 level, also featured for Canada at youth tournaments too.
He arrived at the crease when his side was tottering at 33-3 in the 12th over and from 49-4, the Canadian boys found some difficulties against the combination of pace and spin from the visitors.
However, Wijeyeratne was able to find a willing ally, Varun Sehdev and they two shared a solid 107-run fifth-wicket stand before Sehdev was caught behind for a well-played 28.
Wijeyeratne continued to flourish with the runs and occasional boundaries as he achieved the landmark with a brilliant square drive for four.
He acknowledged the applause from his team mates and the sprinkle of spectators and carried on to bring home victory.
Right-arm fast-bowler Kamau Leverock, was the most successful bowler for Bermuda claiming three wickets for 41 runs from 8 overs.
Earlier, Montfort, the Guyanese who made his debut for Canada, was on target with his movement and penetration and on a pitch that was very deceptive under a blue sky.
He conceded 40 runs from his 10-overs despite Leverock and Dion Stovell fashioned impressive half-centuries. Leverock, who anchored things after his team was in a spot of bother at 29-2, stroke seven fours in his 65 while Stovell mixed solid defense with occasional aggression to score a fine 59 (9×4).
Captain Terry Fray displayed nice batting technique as well with a steady 29 before the innings was wrapped up by off-spinner Sehdev, who supported Montfort with three wickets for 24 runs from 8 tight overs.
The two teams will be back in action again at the same venue on Saturday for another limited-over confrontation.
Bermuda, whose primary reason to be in Canada is to pump-up their preparations just ahead of the International Cricket Council World Cricket League Division 4 competition, which is slated to be held in California soon.
They are set to meet with Mississauga Ramblers on Tuesday at Iceland venue before concluding their trip here the next day against a Canada Select X1.