USA stutter to victory

There were no surprises on the first day of the ICC World Cup Qualifying Series 2004, as Bermuda, USA and Canada swept past their opponents. Of the three hapless teams, only Cayman Islands put up a fight, while Argentina and Bahamas were crushed by large margins.

After restricting Cayman Islands to 139, USA got itself into a precarious position at 72 for 4. But Clayton Lambert and Charles Reid got together at the right time for the defending champions and averted a mishap. The 42-year-old Lambert, who played for West Indies, remained unbeaten on 30, while Reid was 42 not out. Their 58-run partnership gave USA a six-wicket victory.

Things were not as shaky for Bermuda after Argentina put up 182 for 8. Bermuda overtook the score with eight wickets to spare, with OJ Pitcher scoring 98.

The third favourite of the day batted first, and Bahamas were made to pay. A score of 260 for 8 was always a safe one for Canada, but in the end they didn't need half as many, for Bahamas were bowled out for 98, 162 runs adrift.