Bermuda wins tour opener

The veteran batsman thumped three sixes and a four during a responsible knock of 55 off 42 deliveries to carry Bermuda to a three-wicket win over Argentina with three balls to spare.

Promoted to the role of opener for the tournament, Cann proved more than equal to the task, keeping his wits about him as wickets tumbled at the other end at regular intervals.

He said: “The wickets kept falling and so I knew my job was to stay there.

“I knew they had to bowl a fifth bowler and I felt as long as we batted to the end there would be no problem because we have the experience and obviously it came through today.”

With seven runs needed for victory off the final over, Cann ruthlessly hoisted spinner Donald Forrester over the long on and mid on boundaries to carry Bermuda safely across the line in style.

He said: “I knew the off spinner had to bowl and it was just a matter of taking my time and hitting the right ball.

“I just had to remain focused and calm because it was a big field and I knew I could clear the boundary when given.”

While pleased with the outcome of the match, national coach David Moore said his team’s batting approach left much to be desired.

“Everything we have been practicing in batting practice just went out of the door. We put too much pressure on ourselves.

“Wickets kept falling with no reason and all credit to Lionel because when everyone else lost their heads he was still involved.”

Bermuda finished with 99 for seven in reply to Argentina’s 93 for eight.

Prior to Cann’s batting heroics seamer Malachi Jones undid Argentina’s top order during a devastating opening spell with the new ball.

The Willow Cuts all-rounder had superb figures of three for ten bowling unchanged from the northern end of the plush ground.

He was supported by fellow new ball partner George O’Brien Jr who claimed two for 20 despite struggling with his lines.

Middle-order bat Gary Savage led the Argentine scoring, thumping 38 from 46 balls,  while opener Hernan Williams added 11 at the top of the order.