Windies survive USA scare in Over-60 World Cup

ONTARIO, Canada (CMC):

West Indies pulled off a dramatic one-wicket victory over the USA when the International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-60 45-over World Cup continued on Friday.

After restricting the USA to 168 for nine from their 45 overs, the Windies scraped home by the narrowest of margins, reaching 169 for nine in 44.1 overs.

Choosing to bat first, the USA were led by Parak Ananta’s unbeaten 53 off 58 balls. His innings revived the team’s fortunes after they had slipped to 89 for five in the 26th over.

Opener Mahmood Shahid made a run-a-ball 29, while Chandrakant Barlingay added a patient 25 from 54 deliveries.

Zamin Amim was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with three for 27, while Deonarine Deyal claimed two for 21.

The West Indies received useful contributions from their top order and progressed to 70 for two in the 20th over.

However, David Martil (3-18) and Ahmed Merchant (3-31) triggered a batting collapse that left the Windies reeling at 134 for eight in the 39th over.

Narine Bidhesi then anchored the chase with a crucial 56 off 85 balls to keep the West Indies in the contest.

But the Caribbean side still required unbeaten knocks of 18 from Steve Linton and 13 from last man Rajendra Dilraj to get over the line and secure a thrilling victory.