Cayman Islands began their campaign in the ICC World T20 Americas sub-regional qualifiers in style as they defeated host’s Argentina in the opening match of the tournament also involving Bermuda.
A crucial win as top 2 teams amongst the three will qualify for the Americas Regional qualifiers to be played in 2019. Argentina’s decision to bat first after winning the toss back-fired as they got bowled out for paltry 88 runs in 19.3 overs.
Opener Pedro Arrighi top-scored with 34 runs from 40 deliveries at the top after Argentina were reduced to 13/3 in the 5th over. Arrighi compiled a 31 runs partnership for the 4th wicket with Pedro Baron (12 off 16) but after their departures, Argentina were stranded at 58/5 in the 13th over.
Hernan Fennell (14 off 12) added some crucial runs down the order but Argentina could only reach till 88 as the whole team got bowled out by an impressive bowling display by Cayman Islands bowlers. Conroy Wright (2/12), Kevon Bazil (3/20) and Troy Taylor (3/14) were the pick of the bowlers for Cayman Islands.
Cayman Islands had a bad start as Ainsley Hall was dismissed on the first ball of their chase but Omar Willis (17 off 26) and D Cato (24 off 19) struck a flurry of boundaries to take the total to 30/1 in the 6th over.
Cayman Islands lost 4 more wickets en-route to their target as they reached 91/5 in 17 overs to win the contest by 5 wickets.
Cayman were in a spot of bother at 39/3 in the 8th over but captain Ramon Sealy (28 off 33) played a calm hand in guiding his team towards the target.
Lautaro Musiani (2/15) was the pick of the bowlers for Argentina with John Hurley, Hernan Fennell and Pedro Arrighi picking up a wicket apiece.
