Canada were crowned champions of the Americas after completing a win over hosts Bermuda to leave them unbeaten in the tournament. This was perhaps the closest of the five matches but the outcome was only briefly in doubt. Canada was led by Bhatti’s four wickets, and a mature 66 from Trevin Bastiampillai. The Canadian squad for the first time in several months looked the part of World Cup qualifiers, and willl be pleased with their performances in the tournament, particualrly considering they were missing their captain Asish Bagai, and several other experienced players.
Cheema continued his good fortune by winning the toss for the fourth time in five matches, and put Bermuda in. Canada fielded first in all five matches of the tournament. Chohan and Hooper shared the new ball. Khurram Chohan proved to be a difficult proposition for the Bermudans, conceding just 5 runs from his first four overs and 13 from seven in all. Hooper was somewhat expensive and after 4 overs for 26 runs was replaced by Bhatti who immediately made a breakthrough, having Crockwell caught by Cheema. He followed up by bowling Outerbridge with the score on 51. However Foggo and Hemp were harder to part, and built a solid platform, although Canada’s spinners kept the run-rate well under 4/ over. They put on 64 before Foggo (53) was caught behind off Patel’s bowling, and Dhaniram had Tucker leg before in the next over. Bhatti took his third wicket when he returned for a second spell, dismissing Romaines for 32. Bermuda’s hopes of a 200+ total were dashed with two run-outs 5 balls apart, losing Trott, and then the dangerous Hemp (48). Bhatti took a fourth wicket as the innings fell apart, leaving Canada 182 to chase.
Canada in reply made an excellent start, despite losing Cheema in the 2nd over for 8. Bastiampillai (66, 106 balls, seven fours) put on 48 with Patel (19) for the second wicket, and advanced to an important half-century. Jyoti contributed just 5 but Zurkari (32) joined Bastiampillai for another useful partnership of 48. Canada then lost 3 quick wickets to leave them at 147/6 but the experience of Sunil Dhaniram (31*) took them past the target with 7.2 overs to spare.