Canada lost easily to the Netherlands today in the WCL division 1 tournament. Canada, after looking like an improved team at the Americas Championship, are having a poor tournament against stronger opposition, and still look for a win. Despite a useful innings of 71 from Bagai, only two other batsmen made double figures and Canada had to defend a sub-par total of 168. Canada took an early wicket but the Netherlands had little trouble; they won by 7 wickets thanks to an unbeaten 84 from Eric Szwarczynski.
Canada made two changes, Baidwan for Khurram Chohan, and Bastiampillai for Hansra. Canada won the toss and chose to bat.
Cheema continued his miserable tournament when he prodded outside off giving an easy catch to slip, and his opening partner Patel followed shortly afterwards, who similarly fenced outside off to provide catching practice in the slips. Barnett made an attractive 34, with five boundaries before he was stumped, and Surkari followed directly, run out for a duck. Bagai was still there but wickets continued to tumble- Dhaniram hit a drive straight to cover, Bastiampillai was caught at slip, and Bhatti was leg-before. Canada were 97-7 and in deep trouble. Hooper joined Bagai for a useful partnership of 49, with Hooper the more aggressive as Bagai completed a careful half century from 108 balls. Hooper made 27 with four fours and a six before being caught by the keeper. Bagai was last out for 71 as Canada made 168.
Canada made an early breakthrough when Hooper had de Grooth lbw, but Cooper took a liking to Hooper’s bowling and he was replaced by Bhatti after two overs. Cooper and Szwarczynski however seemed untroubled and their partnership reached 91 before Cooper (39) was stumped by Bagai off Baidwan. An excellent delivery from Baidwan bowled Baresi and suddenly Canada had a glimmer of hope. However the experienced Bas Zuiderent kept Szwarczynski company, and they serenely passed the target with 7 overs to spare.

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