Cal Waldron On T20 Americas Qualifier
Bermuda national cricket team coach Cal Waldron believes the Bermuda Invitational Smash has helped prepare his side for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Americas Qualifier as they target a place in next year’s Regional Final.
The franchise T20 competition, featuring the island’s best players and overseas talent, concluded this month, with Bermuda batter Dominic Sabir leading the Pembroke Panthers to the title after a 58-run win over the Sandys Spartans in the final.
Bermuda will open the tournament against the Bahamas at the National Sports Centre, North Field, today [June 21] at 3pm after a late schedule change caused by travel delays affecting Brazil, their original opponents.
They will also face Brazil, Belize and Panama in a round-robin format, with the group winner advancing to the next round.
“There’s a buzz as we prepare for our first game,” Waldron told Bernews.
“The aim is to qualify for the next round, so hopefully we can make a good account of ourselves.
“The Smash was a prelude to this tournament. It was great to have a higher standard of cricket on the island.
“Many of our guys had great tournaments, so hopefully they can carry that form into this competition.”
Despite being the favourites to progress, Waldron said Bermuda are not taking the Bahamas lightly.
“We’re familiar with a lot of their players and we’re not taking them for granted,” Waldron said.
“It’s game day and we want to execute our game plan and come out with the win. They will look to compete with us and get the edge on us.”
The Bermuda squad includes debutants Isaiah O’Brien and Luke Horan, with the pair viewed as part of the national team’s long-term development.
“We have a good blend and have added some youth to our team,” Waldron said.
“It will be good for them to understand what’s expected of them and give them an opportunity to show they’re worthy of selection.
“We must develop people for the future of our national team set-up.”
Waldron believes the Twenty20 format offers Bermuda their best opportunity to compete internationally.
“Our chances of competing on the global stage are far greater in a T20 format,” he said.
“Ideally, we would have a balance between the T20 and the 50-over format.”
He also called on supporters to get behind the team.
“It will be great if the public can come and support the players,” Waldron added. “The players have prepared well and put in the work.”
