Canada too strong for Bermuda

John Davison © Getty Images

Canada registered their first victory in the ICC World Cricket League Division 1 at Nairobi Gymkhana on Friday in a match shortened by overnight rain.

Captain John Davison top scored with 69 not out off 49 balls as he led his side to a 64-run victory over Bermuda.

Breaking from the norm, Davison chose to bat at number three rather than his more usual opening slot, and as the field spread during the innings he came into his own, stroking the ball into the gaps and waiting for the bad ball, which he duly despatched to the boundary.

“I would like to see John come in further down the order more often,” said Canada coach Andy Pick.

“Seeing how easily he played the bowling in the middle overs demonstrated just what a threat he could be for teams at that stage in the game.

"Often by the time fielding restrictions are lifted and the ball gets a bit older, he has already been in and got out."

The players and officials had hung around for much of the day waiting for a couple of large patches of the outfield to dry sufficiently.

When play finally got underway, the number of overs was reduced to 21 apiece.

Canada got off to a blistering start, smashing 32 off the first two overs, bowled by Kevin Hurdle and Saleem Mukuddem.

But they lost Ashif Mulla and Sunil Dhaniram in the third over and were forced to play a little more conservatively from then on.

That said, Davison could not be accused of plodding through the game. His quick-fire knock included five fours and one towering straight six as he guided Canada to a competitive total of 162 for eight.

Bermuda’s attack was highlighted by some excellent bowling by Malachi Jones (two for 25) and Dwayne Leverock (1-24) who, on a good pitch for batting, did very well to peg Canada back after the lightning start they enjoyed.

In reply, Bermuda threatened to cause an upset with Lionel Cann doing plenty of damage early on. In the seventh over, Bermuda were 64 for two and Cann was smashing the ball to all corners of the ground.

He was eventually dismissed for 41 off just 19 balls (two fours, four sixes) and no Bermudan batsman was able to take up his mantle. They were eventually all out for 98, some 64 runs short of their target.

Canada will try to continue their winning ways on Sunday when they play Ireland at Jaffery Sports Club.

Bermuda will be keen to clinch their first win of the tournament as they take on the Netherlands at Ruaraka.