Bermuda overcome 'adversity' to beat Suriname

Bermuda’s impressive start to their Twenty20 World Cup qualifying campaign continued yesterday with a six-wicket win over Suriname in Florida.

The wins means it’s two from two so far for interim national coach Arnold Manders’ team in the ICC Americas Division 1 event, following their 127-run demolition of Bahamas on Monday.

Manders highlighted the fightback from his bowlers after their initial struggles to grip the ball in wet conditions yesterday as key to a victory that leaves them second in the double round robin table.

Spinner Rodney Trott (three for 17) and paceman Malachi Jones (one for 17) were the pick of the attack backed up by Janeiro Tucker (one for 26).

The fielding, after a difficult start, also fell into place as the innings wore on and Bermuda hit their opponents’ middle and lower order with three run-outs.

After Suriname had posted 90 for three at the 12-over mark, Bermuda got to grips with the game — and the ball — and turned the screw, restricting the batsmen to 138 for eight.

In response, Man of the Match Janeiro Tucker came to the party in devastating fashion, stroking 65 not out off just 30 balls to overtake the target with eight balls to spare. Trott was left unbeaten on eight, while captain Stephen Outerbridge (29 from 31 balls) and David Hemp (22 off 29)  chipped in with vital runs.

Manders told the Bermuda Sun: “I think the team  fought hard throughout the match. There was a bit of rain around in the morning so the bowlers had trouble gripping the ball and they weren’t as controlled as usual. They finally worked it out, though.

“We got it back because Suriname were heading for 160/170 at one point – they were 90 off 12. So we did well to keep them down.

“Janeiro then played a fantastic innings and paced it well. He was Man of the Match and it’s just reward for all the hard work he’s put in and all the work he’s done on his fitness.

“Rodney and Malachi were the pick of the bowlers, They were exceptional. They had some adversity and fought through it.”

National coach Dave Moores gave his thumbs up at the win on Twitter ahead of today’s crucial double-header, which sees Bermuda take on Cayman Islands (11am Bermuda time) and USA (4pm).

Moore tweeted: “Two from two. Well done Bermuda. Especially Janeiro Tucker and Rodney Trott. JT the consumate finisher and RT wickets and there at the business end.”