Tony Munro
Chile began their preparations for the World Cricket League Americas Division 3 tournament next month with a seven-wicket loss to an Argentina Under-25 team in a Twenty20 game in Santiago on Friday.
The bright spots for Chile were the performances of national U-19 players Cristian Eyzaguirre and Tristan Bradbrook - Eyzaguirre took one of the three Argentinian wickets to fall, while Bradbrook hit a useful 21.
Bowling had been identified as a potential weakness for the hosts and this was the case as the visitors struck 150, and losing just three wickets in its 20 overs. Alejo Tisera (46), Carlos Gibson (38) and David Mauro (29) were the main contributors for Argentina A.
In reply, Chile managed 127 for 7 with captain Simon Shalders (27), Hector Fuenzalida (24), Bradbrook (21) and Kamram Zeb (18) chipping in.
Two 50-over matches will be played on Saturday and Sunday, also in Santiago. Chile play Belize, Brazil and Peru in the WCL Division 3 tournament from October 9-12 in Santiago.