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.
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\n 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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n