Cricket: Canada Win ICC Americas Division 1

Canada defeated the USA in the top of the table clash to be crowned ICC Americas Division 1 champions. While earlier in the day, Bermuda lost to Suriname.

The ICC match report said, “The morning’s match between Bermuda and Suriname was unlikely to affect the rankings, however, both countries had plenty of pride on line in their final match of the tournament. Bermuda won the toss and batted but it was Suriname who drew first blood dismissing Dion Stovell in the second over.

“Tre Manders came in at number three joining David Hemp, the pair batted in controlled fashion taking the score past 50. However, momentum swung back towards the Surinamese when they dismissed Hemp [28] and Manders [21] in quick succession. It started a bit of a procession as the Bermudans lost six wickets for 20 runs from overs 11 to 16 until Robinson and DeSilva added 25 in the final four overs to take the total to 99/7 at the completion of 20 overs. For Suriname Wasim Haslim was the pick of the bowlers taking 3-15 from his 4 overs.

“In reply, Suriname would need their in-form top order to contribute heavily. The opening batsmen answered that call beautifully as Muneshwar Patandin and Wasim Haslim took the score to 60 before Patandin was dismissed by Janeiro Tucker for 21. Haslim was then dismissed soon after for 39, as was Gavin Singh [0], however experienced campaigner Mohindra Boodram continued Suriname’s momentum with Shazam Ramjohn.

“The pair added 35 in their fourth wicket stand to see Suriname beyond Bermuda’s score in the 19th over and give them a memorable seven wicket victory. Suriname finished 103/3 with Boodram 26 not out, Haslim picked up the player of the match award for his 3-15 and 39 with that bat.

“In the battle for top position the USA needed to beat Canada convincingly to finish on equal points but top the Canadians on net run rate. Canada was sent in to bat by USA, in front of a passionate and growing home crowd for the Americans. USA struck early when Adil Bhatti ran out Rizwan Cheema in the second over, however, familiar top order run scorers Ruvindu Gunasekera and Nitish Kumar set up the Canadian innings.

“The pair had combined for 60 when Kumar was out stumped for 25, thanks to some sharp glove work from Steven Taylor. Gunasekera’s innings of 53 from 48 balls including three big sixes from the classy left-hander, however, when Timil Patel dismissed him the US were able to build some pressure. This pressure lead to another three wicket hall to Patel whose figures of 3-20 saw him finish as the leading wicket taker for the tournament. Canada finished with 127/6 from their 20 overs.

“Despite the showers that were around the USA came out of the blocks with plenty fireworks via Steven Taylor. Taylor launched three balls for six in the first over before he went for one too many and skied a catch from the final ball of Junaid Siddiqui’s first over. After Taylor’s explosive start Fahad Babar and Mrunal Patel were more controlled and moved the score along to 57 before Patel was out for 12.

“When Babar was dismissed by Nikhil Dutta shortly after for 33 [37 balls], the USA struggled to ever get back on track. They continually lost wickets seeking quick runs and eventually finished 104/8 from their 20 overs. Nikhil Dutta and Jimmy Hansra both picked up two wickets in a solid display of bowling and fielding from the Canadians that had them finish comfortable 23 run victors.

“Canada’s impressive undefeated run through the event meant they were deserving ICC Americas Division 1 Champions. They will take that confidence into the ICC World Twenty20 in July this year. For USA it was a spirited display throughout the week and they showed that on their day they are capable of playing some very good cricket; something they will hope to do more consistently at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier. While for Bermuda and Suriname they will leave better for the playing experience with both squads having showed some promising signs throughout the week.”

Scores in Brief:

Bermuda v Suriname

• Bermuda 99/7 from 20 overs [Hemp 28, Manders 21, Haslim 3-15]
• Suriname 103/3 from 19 overs [Haslim 39, Boodram 26, Patandin 21]
• Suriname won by 7 wickets
• Man of the Match: Wasim Haslim [Suriname]

Canada v USA

• Canada 127/6 from 20 overs [Gunasekera 53, Kumar 25, Patel 3-20]
• USA 104/8 from 20 overs [Babar 33]
• Canada won by 23 runs
• Man of the Match: Ruvindu Gunasekera [Canada]

Tournament Standings:

• Canada 6-0
• USA 4-2
• Bermuda 1-5
• Suriname 1-5

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