The Bermuda national cricket team celebrated a significant milestone on April 20, 2025, as they achieved their first victory in the North American Cup, defeating the Cayman Islands by 30 runs at the Jimmy Powell Cricket Oval. This win was particularly sweet for Bermuda, who had suffered a disappointing loss to Canada in their opening match of the tournament.
Bermuda, having won the toss, opted to bat first and managed to post a total of 137 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Terryn Fray led from the front with a commendable innings, scoring 38 runs off 40 balls and striking two boundaries. His performance was crucial in setting a competitive target for the Cayman Islands.
In response, the Cayman Islands struggled to chase down the target of 138 runs. Jermaine Baker was the standout performer for the Cayman Islands, scoring a resilient 54 runs off 51 balls. However, he lacked support from his teammates, as several players fell cheaply to Bermuda's bowling attack.
The bowling performance from Bermuda was highlighted by Dominic Sabir, who was named the man of the match for his outstanding figures of three wickets for just 14 runs in three overs. Kevon Fubler also contributed significantly, taking three wickets for 17 runs from his four overs, further crippling the Cayman Islands' batting lineup.
The match began with Bermuda's innings, where they lost their first wicket at 42 runs when Alex Dore was dismissed LBW by Adrian Wright. Following Dore's departure, Fray and Jarryd Richardson put together a partnership, but Richardson was soon caught by Demar Johnson off the bowling of Alistair Ifill, leaving Bermuda at 65 runs for the loss of two wickets.
Despite a few quick dismissals, Bermuda managed to reach a respectable total, with Delray Rawlins and Dominic Sabir providing crucial contributions towards the end of the innings. The team finished their innings at 137 for five, setting a challenging target for the Cayman Islands.
As the Cayman Islands began their chase, they quickly found themselves in trouble, losing early wickets and struggling to build partnerships. Their innings was characterized by a series of collapses, with the team unable to recover from the early setbacks. Baker's 54 was a lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal batting display.
The Cayman Islands were eventually bowled out for 107 runs, falling short by 30 runs. Bermuda's bowling attack, led by Sabir and Fubler, proved too strong for the Cayman Islands, who could not cope with the pressure.
This victory not only marks Bermuda's first win in the North American Cup but also sets a positive tone for their upcoming matches. The team will be looking to build on this success as they prepare for their next challenge against the USA.
Meanwhile, the North American Cup continues to heat up, with the next match scheduled for April 21, 2025, featuring Bahamas against Canada. Bahamas, who suffered a heavy defeat in their opening match against the USA, will be eager to bounce back and secure their first points in the tournament. They lost their previous game by a staggering 149 runs, a result that has left them at the bottom of the points table.
Canada, on the other hand, comes into this match with momentum after securing a five-wicket victory over Bermuda in their first outing. They bowled Bermuda out for just 105 runs and chased down the target with relative ease, demonstrating their strong form early in the tournament.
The match between Bahamas and Canada is set to take place at the same venue, Jimmy Powell Oval, starting at 8:30 PM IST. With both teams having different objectives—Bahamas seeking redemption and Canada aiming for consecutive wins—the stage is set for an exciting clash.
As the tournament progresses, teams will be looking to capitalize on their performances and secure their spots in the next round. With Bermuda's recent win, the competition is heating up, and fans can expect thrilling cricket action in the upcoming matches.
In summary, Bermuda's victory over the Cayman Islands has not only boosted their morale but also added a layer of excitement to the North American Cup. The team will be looking to carry this momentum forward as they aim for further success in the tournament.
