World Cup joy for Canada

Canada secured their passage into the 2007 World Cup with a 160-run thrashing of Papua New Guinea at Downpatrick.

Needing a win and for Scotland to beat ICC Trophy holders Holland, the Canadians got off to a flying start as openers Desmond Chumney and John Davison both hit fifties.

When they departed Ian Billcliff followed their lead and smashed an unbeaten 102 to take his side to 319 for three.

The Canadian bowlers were just as severe on the Pacific islanders, as they took wickets at regular intervals to dismiss them for 159. 

Mahuru Dai battled bravely for a well-made 52, but Umar Bhatti’s 3-25 from nine overs sealed the win and Canadian success was confirmed when news came through from Stormont that Holland had lost.

The fourth automatic World Cup place was taken by Bermuda after they trounced the USA by 113 runs. Their win and Denmark’s defeat by Ireland secured them second place in Group A.

The Bermudans amassed 311 for eight in their 50 overs thanks to a brilliant 132 from vice-captain Janeiro Tucker.

Barrington Bartley hit 52 in reply for the Americans, but Dwayne Leverock’s 4-39 helped dismiss the US for 198 inside 37 overs.

Elsewhere, the United Arab Emirates beat Uganda by 63 runs thanks to 74 from Naeemuddin and Namibia overcame Oman by six wickets to stay in the hunt for the final World Cup spot.

Jan-Berrie Burger smashed 49 to ease the Namibians past their 171 run target with over eight overs to spare.

Namibia will now do battle with Denmark, Holland and the UAE for the fifth and final World Cup place in the knock-out stages, which start in Dublin at the weekend.