by Abhai Sawkar Panama 94-8 in 20 overs (Irfan Hafejee 25(25) 3x4 1x6, Imran Bulbulia 17(22) 3x4 -- Nosthush Kenjige 4-0-19-3) USA 98-2 in 7.5 overs (Monank Patel 46(24) 7x4 1x6, Sunny Sohal 42*(19) 4x4 2x6 -- Irfan Hafejee 2-0-17-1) After losing in a very close contest against Canada, the Americans put together yet another solid all-round display to deliver another shellacking against Panama. Left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige has been having a dream tournament so far, after taking 9 wickets in 4 games at a staggering average of 6.67. Three of those wickets came today, in what was a very dominant display from the American bowlers. However, credit should be given where credit is due, and the Panamanian batsmen showed signs of improvement from their first game, where they eked out 65/8 in 20 overs. Irfan Hafejee top scored with a run-a-ball 25, and Imran Bulbulia racked up a decent 17 with a few boundaries. It still was a struggle, but Panama showed that they were eager to learn from previous performances, and put up a better fight the next time around. It was a proud moment for David Wakefield, the New Zealand-based allrounder, who got a chance to play his first game for Team USA. He might not have had a chance to bat, but bowled two tidy overs and went for 15. More importantly, he was involved in a run-out that dismissed Yusuf Akalwaya. The Raleigh pitch, like usual, helped the spinners, who collectively took six of the eight wickets that fell Panama might not have reached 100, but a target of 95 was still something to bowl at. However, USA's Monank Patel set the tone early on with classy strokeplay and aggressive intent from the very beginning. He might have lost his opening partner Steven Taylor, who played a reckless slog to hold out in the deep, but he and Sunny Sohal stitched up a nifty stand of 74 to marshal the simple chase. Sohal was the more belligerent of the two, and attacked left arm spinner Dineshbhai Ahir and medium pacer Aslam Doria. Doria might have taken Patel's wicket when he holed out in the deep, but it was left to Sohal to seal the deal and secure a much-needed win for his team. As of now, the Americans are second on the table, with three wins and a loss. However, they do hold a small advantage over Canada with regards to net run rate. Even though the teams that finish in first and second place advance to the next WT20 qualifying tournament, it would be the ultimate dream for Team USA to finish at the top of the tree. A win against Canada on September 25th would be a wish come true, and considering they nearly did it yesterday, there is a better chance to succeed. Shown below is the points table (all teams have played 4 games as of now), including net run rate:
Over the course of the tournament, Canada have shown to be the best out of the group in terms of consistency in all skills. However, the Americans are not far behind, and there is time to polish their game ahead of the much-awaited second showdown. Team USA has had a decent 2018 so far, and better returns in the Regional Qualifiers and in the upcoming Super50 in the West Indies would be the best gift for players who have worked tirelessly to compete against more difficult opponents. The best way to learn and strengthen combines practice and regular matches against stronger teams. In good times and in bad times, the guys have always believed in themselves, and more success will be earned! September 25 – USA v Canada (1:00pm PST) September 26 – USA v Belize (8:00am PST) There only might be two games left, but that doesn't mean the level of entertainment will be little. Another box-office thriller will be coming up, so keep your eyes peeled, superfans!
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