Goordial-John, Ward star in easy win for USA

USA's women trounced Canada by 112 runs in the first game of the three-match series played at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club in King City.

Canada elected to field in overcast conditions, and after being circumspect early on, USA settled in well. Player-cum-coach Indomatie Goordial-John led the dominance with 83 runs off 118 balls, with captain Durga Das contributing 53 despite difficulties running between wickets due to heavily strapped knees from an injury. The pair compiled 92 runs for the 2nd wicket, and it could have easily been more had Das been able to turn the ones into twos that were on offer. Helene Gaffney and Suthershini Sivanantham impressed with the ball, but the rest of the attack was a letdown, as Canada conceded 31 runs in wides and no balls.

Canada's run chase of 227 never gained momentum as wickets fell frequently. Shondell Ward was unplayable in her spell of 5 for 20 as the top four departed for single-figure scores. Mikaela Turik's 40 delayed the inevitable and took Canada past three figures, but that was little solace as the hosts lost four wickets to run outs in a hapless batting display. Goordial-John claimed the final wicket, to seal a resounding victory for her side and the player-of-the-match award.

Canada have a lot of work to do and ahead of the second game on Wednesday, and keep the series alive going into the final fixture on Friday.