Bahrain's Imran Sajjad signalled his side's intention of getting a promotion after scoring a brilliant century in their 161-run win over Suriname. His 106 was the highlight of Bahrain's imposing total of 278 for 5 in a match reduced to 38 overs a side, with Adil Hanif and Azeem Ul Haque also scoring half centuries. In reply, Qamar Saeed took 3 for 10 as Bahrain dismissed Suriname for just 117.
"My coach told me that I needed to play my natural game, but in the first 20 overs I just scored ones and twos, before playing more attacking shots which is my natural game," Sajjad said. "I think my team will win promotion this week and we are all very confident."
An all-round display helped Guernsey to their first points of the tournament, with a four-wicket win against Gibraltar at Port Soif. Put in by the hosts, Gibraltar were lifted by Kieron Ferrary's superb strokeplay. A 68-run partnership with wicketkeeper Richard Buzaglo looked to have given them the perfect launchpad but the Guernsey bowlers did well to keep the score down to 227 for 7. Gary Rich and Jeremy Frith were the pick of the lot with two wickets apiece. While Ferrary stroked 10 fours in his 115-ball 90, Iain Latin provided some late fireworks during his crucial 42. Lee Savident shepherded Guernsey's chase at the top with a fluent 53 and while his was the top score, the final impetus was provided by captain Stuart Le Prevost who hit a quick 45. Cameos from Benjamin Ferbrache and Justin Meades at the bottom of the order ensured Guernsey got home with three balls to spare.
"It was a great run chase by the team and the boys have done really well. We are all really pleased as everybody contributed," Le Prevost said. "I was disappointed to get out though as I wanted to take the team through to the end."
In the other game of the day at KG Five, Nigeria recorded a thrilling two-wicket victory over Japan in the penultimate over. An unbeaten 55 not out from Ko Irie helped Japan to 187 for 8 off 50 overs before an exciting run-chase saw Nigeria squeeze home. Player of the Match Adekunle Adegbola (48), Akabogu Okwudili (32) and Olajide Bejide (30) were the main contributors for Nigeria, with Gavin Beath (3 for 20) the pick of the Japanese attack.
"A victory was what we were all looking for," Adegbola said. "We knew that we only needed four runs an over, so we knew that we didn't need to score a lot of boundaries, and just keep the score ticking over. The conditions are totally different to those in Nigeria so you have to adapt to the conditions. I am trying to acclimatize myself to the conditions but I am finding it very cold."
Sunday's washed out matches have now been rescheduled for Tuesday and will be played at the same venues as in the original schedule.
