Canada comprehensively beat Bermuda by 10 wickets in their first match of the 20-20 series. Five wickets for just ten runs from Akshay Bagai helped dismiss the visitors for just 61 from 16.4 overs and Cheema and Patel knocked off the runs in just 9 overs. Bermuda lost earlier in the day to West Indies HPC by 8 wickets, meaning that Canada advances to the final no matter what the result of their next match.
Bermuda won the toss and opted to bat. Baidwan opened the bowling and conceded just two from the first over, on a Malton pitch offering very little bounce – the outfield was also long, not encouraging quick scoring. Baidwan made the first breakthrough, trapping Foggo in front and after three overs Bermuda were 12/1. Stovell hit Cheema for a straight six, but was caught behind trying to cut in his next over. After 7 overs, Bermuda were 31/2. Anderson was looking dangerous, but unwisely tried to sweep Akshay Bagai’s first ball and was caught; Fray was caught off the last ball to give Bagai a double wicket maiden; 44/4 from 10 overs. Bagai took his third wicket in the next over, having the dangerous Hemp caught for just 6. Hansra ran out Crockwell and then the Bagai brothers combined- stumped Ashish bowled Akshay – to reduce Bermuda to 59/7. Bagai took his fifth wicket in the same over, catching Hodsoll off his own bowling. Desai wound up the innings, taking the final two wickets.
Cheema (27*) finally hit some form as he hit three balls of the first over for four, and accompanied by Patel (31*), took just 9 overs to knock off the 62 required.