West Indies Over40s keep semi-final hopes alive

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

West Indies kept their slim hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over40s World Cup alive with a commanding 105-run victory over Canada on Saturday.

Powered by half-centuries from Sewnarine Chattergoon, Jason Mohamed and Randy Thomas, the hosts amassed an imposing 368 for six from their 45 overs at the Joe Jagmohan Hampton Court Ground.

Chattergoon blasted 91 off 86 balls with 10 fours and four sixes, Mohamed struck 78 from 60 deliveries with eight fours and three sixes, while Thomas hammered 75 off 57 balls, including nine fours and two sixes.

Thomas and Chattergoon put on 156 for the first wicket in just 19 overs to provide the West Indies with a flying start.

Shane Shillingford ended the partnership when he trapped Thomas lbw, but Mohamed then joined Chattergoon in a 74-run stand that carried the hosts to 230-1 in the 30th over.

The West Indies suffered a brief wobble thereafter, losing three wickets for 16 runs. However, Imran Khan made an unbeaten 46 off 34 balls and Devendra Bishoo struck an unbeaten 33 from just 12 deliveries as the pair added an unbroken 61 runs for the seventh wicket.

Manpreet Khaira finished with 2-38, while Royston Crandon took 2-64.

Crandon then returned to lead Canada’s reply with a superb century, but his team were restricted to 263 for nine from their 45 overs.

He smashed 137 off 103 balls, counting 13 fours and eight sixes, but received little support from the other batters, with only one teammate passing 20.

For the West Indies, Chris Mittelholzer claimed 3-48, Trevor Benn took 2-25 and Bishoo finished with 2-49.

The victory lifted the West Indies to seventh in the 15-team standings with four points from four matches.

They must win their remaining matches against Colombia and Wales and hope other results fall in their favour if they are to secure a top-four finish.

Leaders Australia, along with Pakistan and England, all won their respective matches on Saturday to move to eight points.

Australia crushed Colombia by eight wickets, while Pakistan eased past New Zealand by five wickets.

Meanwhile, England missed the chance to move to the top of the standings after suffering a 26-run defeat to India.

In the day’s other match, Namibia defeated Wales by 41 runs.