In the ICC Americas Sub-Regional T20 Qualifier this afternoon Panama 40 all out after 14.2 overs lost to Canada 41 for no wicket (2.1 overs)

In the Panama innings: Cecil Pervez 3 wkts for 10, Romesh Eranga 3 for 11. Aslam Doria top-scored with 12 for Panama
Canada innings: Rizwan Cheema 23* and Navi Dhaliwal 17*.
Scorecard

In the earlier game Steven Taylor fired 57* from 19 balls leading USA to a winning 90 for 1 wicket after just 5.2 overs after Belize reached 84 all out from 20 overs.

Canada and USA finish the tournament tied on points with first place determined on net run rate. The US claimed the title by the narrowest of margins. Effectively with Canada beating the US in a Super Over, and the US beating Canada from the penultimate ball the title was decided by how badly these teams beat Panama and Belize in the other matches. Fortunately both qualify for the next round.

Canada in the four matches against Panama and Belize bowled out the opposition for 40, 32, 42 and 42, and achieved the target in 13, 16, 24 and 18 balls without losing a single wicket. The US lost 5 wickets in their 4 matches. Exactly what the benefit of these games for Canada, the US, Panama or Belize is hard to determine. The ICC really needs to examine the qualifying structure with perhaps a Division 2 tournament first with the best teams advancing to a Division 1. The net run rate advantage to the USA seems to be based mainly on the fact they batted first in one match and were able to put up a big total.

For many years Canada has clearly had a stronger national side than the US. Following the Auty Cup loss, this tournament further confirms this is no longer the case. It is a pity that a 50 over series is not being held this year, as both teams need the competition.