Cann sees positives for Bermuda despite loss to UAE

Yet despite coming up eight-runs short against hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a World Cricket League (WCL) Division Two warm- up, Bermuda stalwart Lionel Cann says there’s no reason for his team-mates to hang their heads in shame.

On the contrary, the 2007 World Cup veteran reckons there are plenty of positives to take from the match.

Bermuda was left stranded on 243 for eight chasing a target of 252 after failing to milk the mandatory batting power play.

“It’s just one of those things; to come so close and end up losing,” Cann told the Bermuda Sun. “It was a gettable target, but we needed to bat well to get it.

“Obviously you want to win to get some momentum, but I’m sure the guys will rectify the mistakes that were made — that’s why we are here early to make sure all the T’s are crossed and I’s are dotted.

“The boys just have to continue the hard work and keep going through the processes that the coach has for us. The guys can take a lot of positives from the match.” That the visitors had a sniff at victory owed much to Cann’s swashbuckling innings of 73 — gathered from just 45 deliveries in sweltering heat on a deteriorating pitch. It was a robust knock that again proved the veteran player’s worth to his team’s middle order.

“I’ve been putting in the hard work in the nets and have been here before and so I know what to expect,” added Cann. “It was nice to have a good knock getting ready for next week’s tournament. The ball was coming off nicely.”

Bermuda found themselves at a disadvantage after losing the toss, forcing them to bat last on a worn out pitch.

“Playing on a wicket that has been played on for four straight days … it was a hard toss to lose knowing that you want to bat first on that wicket and post a good target to get an advantage,” said Cann.

“When we batted the ball almost rolled on you. It stayed low and turned.

“It was tough batting on that wicket; the ball was turning from ball one and obviously as the game went on it got slower.”

Spearheading Bermuda’s bowling attack was seamer Malachi Jones who bagged three wickets for 35 runs during the UAE batting power play to drag the visitors back in the match after the hosts threatened to cut loose.

“Malachi bowled a great spell during the power play. He bowled a lot of yorkers and stuff like that and that’s where he got his wickets,” added Cann.

“The guys bowled well and to restrict UAE to 251 was an excellent effort on a big field.

“At one stage they were like 140 for two. But then everybody dug in and we got through them.”

The two teams will face off in another WCL Division Two warm up on Saturday in Dubai Sport City.