The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN their biggest test in the International Cricket Council’s Tournament of the Americas Division II competition, the Bahamas survived with a 14 run victory over Argentina to highlight day one action at Haynes Oval.

In the other match played, Panama won by four wickets with 10 bowls remaining against Belize.

“Batting wise and bowling, we got off to a rough start, but we were able to pull the game back in reach and as a result, we won the game,” said Bahamas team captain Greg Taylor Jr.

The Bahamas, in winning the toss, elected to bat first and scored 160 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs. Argentina, in response, made 146 for six wickets in 20 overs.

Ryan Tappin was the top scorer with 38. Johnathan Barry had 45.

Batting for Argentina, their best bowler was Herman Fennell, who went 4-for-19 for four overs. Their best scorer was Martin Siri with 45. Alajandro Ferguson had 32.

The best bowler was Albert Peters, who in four overs, was 1-for-18.

“Throughout the match, we had to bowl wicket for wicket and in that way we were able to push them back and win the game,” Taylor Jr said.

As for the remainder of the tournament, Taylor feel that since they have gotten by Argentina, who was expected to be their biggest challenge, they should have an easy ride for the rest of the week as the winner will be promoted to division one.

“Argentina was our test right there, so if we don’t take it easy, we should have a chance to win,” Taylor Jr. said. “I was very pleased with our effort today. We just need to keep it up.”

Argentina’s coach Esteban MacDermott, couldn’t agree more. He felt the the Bahamas took advantage of their home court turf to play an exceptional game.

“I’m quite pleased with the way we played. We both played well. We only got four extras, but I think on the batting side, we did as best as we could do,” he said. “I just think that the Bahamas played extremely well and they deserved to win. All credit to the Bahamas.”

In their first appearance here, but their second in the division, MacDermott said they intend to take each game in stride and hopefully when they return to the pitch today, they will be able to regroup and get in the winning column.

“We hope that some of the matches will turn in our favors and we can still have a chance to win it,” he said.

Panama by four wickets over Belize

As the tournament opened, Belize batted first for 116 runs for nine wickets in 20 overs. However, Panama came back and in 18.2 overs, scored 118 for six to seal the victory.

Mahmud Bhana was the man of the match after he scored 32 for 23 deliveries for Panama. Their best bowler was Rajez Ahir, who had three wickets for 15 in three overs.

For Belize, C Young scored 30. Mark Antonio had two wickets for 24 in four overs.Ismael Patel, the manager for Panama, said they are excited to get off on the right foot in their second appearance here in the Bahamas.

“It was good. We enjoyed the game and we are looking forward to playing even better as the tournament go on,” he said. “Our boys performed very well. Mahmud had a good performance today and we hope that we can get more performances like that as we continue to play.”

Panama are coming off a second place finish in the3 last tournament held in 2011 in Suriname. They lost out to Suriname, who was elevated to division II. In the last tournament here in 2010, Panama finished in third place. This time around Patel said they intend to improve on that feat.

The Bahamas finished second in the last tournament here in 2010 behind Suriname, but actually had a net run rate that enabled them to clinch the title, getting promoted to division one as a result. However, that didn’t last long as the Bahamas went to Bermuda and got relegated to zone II after a disappointing finish.