Suriname Shock Bahamas to Claim Championship by International Cricket Council

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Event:

ICC World Cricket League Americas Region Division Two 2007/08

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DateLine: 9th April 2008

 

In a dramatic and unbelievable final twist to the Americas Division 2 Championship, Suriname not only beat a woeful Bahamas in the final game, but clinched the title, and promotion to Division 1, by virtue of a superior net run rate. Needing only 83 to avoid a net run rate scenario, in reply to Suriname’s 205 all out, and in perfect batting conditions, to ensure they took all the spoils, Bahamas crashed to a disastrous 57 all out and an amazing 146 run defeat.

 

It was from any perspective a poor Bahamas performance, firstly by allowing Suriname to reach a respectable 205, and then by simply handing everything to the host nation in a puzzlingly forgettable batting effort.

 

The Surinamese batsmen struggled throughout but battled bravely to reach 205 all out in 46 overs, and only Shazam Ramjohn seemed to come to terms with the Bahamas attack. Ramjohn contributed a fine 48, in 48 balls, with other valuable contributions coming from skipper Sanjay Meghoe (28) and Terbhawan Ranjit (23).

 

For the Bahamas, left-arm spin duo Dwight Weakley (3 for 47) and captain Narendra Ekanayake (2 for 35) proved to be the most effective with the ball.

 

In reply, the Bahamian batsman contrived to self-destruct in 24,1 overs and crash dismally to 57 all out. Not one batsman reached double figures in an innings where the obviously superior Bahamas team just seemed to capitulate.

 

Heroes were Suriname were the opening bowling pair of man of the match Troy Dudnauth and Carlton Baker. Bowling unchanged for the first 20 overs, by which time the Bahamas were 50 for 9, Dudnauth finished with an outstanding 5 for 21 in his 10 overs, while Baker was no less impressive with 3 for 27 in 10 overs.

 

Having started the day with an impressive net run rate of 7,016, the final equation left them on 1,027, and the delighted Surinamese team and supporters on 1,527, and thus Division 2 champions.

 

In the other game on the final day of Division 2 competition, Panama eased past the Turks & Caicos Islands by 95 runs. In reply to Panama’s 188 all out, the Turks & Caicos team could only muster 93 runs.

 

For Panama the star was seam bowler and man of the match Munaf Kachalia, who took 4 for 19, and he was ably supported by Irfan Tarajia, 3 for 33, and captain Soyab Chohan, 2 for 16. Earlier, the Panama total was largely built by Tarajia, with 31 off 42 balls, including 6 fours, and Jatin Ahir, who made 33, off 36 balls, with 3 fours.

 

This left three teams on the top of the table – Suriname, Bahamas and Panama – in that order ultimately, and all on 8 points with 2 wins each.

 

Division 2 standings:

P W L Pts NRR
1.Suriname 3 2 1 8 1,527 2.Suriname 3 2 1 8 1,027 3.Panama 3 2 1 8 -0,123 4.Turks & Caicos Islands 3 0 3 0 -2,762

 

Individual Awards:

 

Player of the Tournament: Troy Dudnauth (Suriname)
Best Batsman: Irfan Tarajia (Panama)
Best Bowler: Troy Dudnauth (Suriname)
Best Fielder: Shazam Ramjohn (Suriname)
Best Wicket-keeper: Donavan Matthews (Turks & Caicos Islands)

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
Copyright © 2008 International Cricket Council)