Panama too good for Venezuela

Panama 'won' the two match series against Venezuela 1-0 in Panama City last month.

The Panamanian team comprised mainly of Indian expatriates, won the first game by 125 runs before the second was drawn due to rain.

Panama won the toss in the first encounter, electing to bat.

Spearheaded by aggressive batting from Kara (57), Soyeb Chohan (45) and Asif Patel (38), Irfan Trajia (33), Panama smashed 241 runs before losing its last wicket in the 29th over. Patel was particularly destructive, almost producing a Sobers-like feat, belting 34 of his 38 runs in one over, through five sixes and a four.

Patel starred again with the ball in Venezuela's innings of 116 all out (26 overs), taking three wickets, receiving assistance from Basir (two wickets).

Panama appeared appeared likely to clinch victory in the second match, with Venezuela faltering at 75-5 chasing the home team's 144, before rain intervened.

Asif Patel was just as devastating on the domestic front, guiding Kachalia 'B' to the final of the Panamanian League with a devastating spell against Alam CC.

Patel wrecked the opposition innings after Alam CC was cruising at one stage at 85-3 in 15 overs. Among his six wickets were four scalps in successive deliveries.

Alam CC collapsed to 102 all out, a target Kachalia overtook in 20 overs to win by five wickets.

Paraiso joined Kachalia 'B' in the final following its 26 run win over Nawab in the second semi-final.

After choosing to bat, Paraiso compiled 156-9 in its 25 overs, thanks chiefly to Chotabhikhu's 65. In reply, Nawab CC, managed 130-7 in its allotted overs.

A report of the final will appear in the next edition of 'Beyond The Test World'.