2nd Americas Cricket Championships day five round-up

CANADA BACK TO WINNING WAYS

At Belgrano, Canada put yesterday's defeat against the USA behind them, to cruise past Bermuda with an eight wicket victory. After being put in to bat, Bermuda got off to a bright start, scoring 40 runs in the first 7 overs without loss. However, the introduction of Kevin Sandher changed the shape of the game. His superb bowling display saw him finish with 5 for 11 in 10 overs, and the Bermudan batsmen were never able to break the shackles.

Only young Chris Foggo, with a great 62 off 101 balls, and Wendell White with 44, made significant contributions in a total of 166 all out in 48,3 overs. A wicket off the second ball of the first over of Canada's reply may have temporarily inspired Bermuda and sent nerves racing through the Canadian line-up, but a masterful second-wicket partnership between Muneeb Diwan (39 off 59 balls) and Faisal Samad (59 off 45 balls) all but concluded the game. Ian Billcliff added an unbeaten 42 and Canada reached victory and two valuable championship points with 167 for 2 in 38 overs.

RESULT: Canada won by 8 wickets.

CAYMANS CONTINUE VICTORIOUS

At Longchamps, the Cayman Islands wasted very little time in maintaining their one hundred percent record with a comprehensive 8 wicket victory over the Bahamas.

Only Atkinson (24) reached double figures in a total of 69 all out in 18,3 overs. Tullock (5 for 41) was far and away the most successful bowler, while David Wight (2 for 7) and Bovell (3 for 19) were no less impressive. It took the now confident Caymans batsmen merely 15 overs to knock off the winning runs, reaching 71 for the loss of 2 wickets. James (25) and Gordon (23) were undefeated to see the Cayman Islands home, and set up an interesting and decisive clash against Canada today.

USA STILL ON TOP

At Hurlingham, the United States stayed at the top of the championship table after a comfortable 36 run win over hosts Argentina.

The USA compiled a more than useful 207 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs, with major contributions coming from Pathan (43), Holiett (36) and Bacchus (38). Pick of the Argentine bowlers was young Lucas Paterlini, with 3 for 37, and Paul Ferguson with 2 for 28.

Three decisive early wickets for the USA proved to be a major setback for Argentina, one from which they never really recovered, despite a classy 63 from man of the match Donny Forrester, and 20 from skipper Kirschbaum.

Johnson, with 2 for 23, and Bacchus, 2 for 34, were the principal wicket takers, in a win which leaves them at the top of the table with two games to be played.