Game # 7 Belize v Bahamas
Bahamas has put a firm grip on the Affiliates Championship by defeating Belize and remain unbeaten at the tournament.
Today's game was probably one of the most evenly contested of the tournament. Put in to bat, Belize was determined not to give the opening attack early wickets. The tournament's leading batsman, 16-year-old Conway Young anchored the side with another fine knock of 42. The middle order did not support Young and it took a late eighth wicket partnership between the ever improving Dorian Gabb (23*) and his skipper Edison Parks (26) to give Belize a respectable total of 189/8 in the allocated 50 overs. Top bowler for the Bahamas was Narendra Ekanayake with 3/30.
The Bahamas batting has never really been tested chasing a reasonable target and they did struggle in the early going. Opener Lester Taylor (45) could not find a partner to stay with him and it took two late wicket partnerships between Man of the Match , Narendra Ekanayake (68*) and Mario Ford (28) and then with Venris Bennett (10*) to finally seal the victory.
With the victory the Bahamas all but locked up the championship and secure a place in the Associates Tournament to be held in Bermuda July 5-11, 2004.
Game # 8 Panama v Suriname
Panama established themselves as a strong medal contender with an impressive victory over winless Suriname. Suriname won the toss and elected to bat. A reasonable opening stand of 35 was followed by a steady parade of wickets mainly due to the bowling of Asif Patel who captured 5/13 in 9.3 overs. For his efforts he was awarded the Man of the Match.
Panama, aware of the fact that a victory was not enough to give them a chance of still winning the tournament blasted away at their small target in order to improve their run rate. Skipper Soyeb Chohan took control with a quick 47 in 27 balls before being run out by Tariq Daya. Daya quickly redeemed himself by keeping the pace going with three sixes and a four to end with 30 not out as the host country raced to their target in a mere 10.5 overs.