Argentina 153-9 A masterful century by skipper Charlie Marshall guided Bermuda to a comfortable 193-run victory as they opened their campaign in the five-nation Americas Tournament in Canada yesterday.

Shrugging off the disappointment of St.George's Cup Match loss just three days earlier, veteran Marshall let loose with a controlled display of aggression in a superb knock of 164 which included 15 fours and seven sixes.

And when he eventually holed out on the boundary, Bermuda were well on their way to amassing a score which the South American champions never looked likely to challenge.

Clay Smith, batting at number three, chipped in with 32, young Oliver Pitcher added 43 and Herbie Bascome hit a quick 22 in the tail end as Bermuda made full use of their 50 overs.

Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James, who watched the match at the King City ground north of Toronto, was full of praise for his team, dismissing any suggestion that their first round opponents were easy prey.

"Argentina are the best team in South America,'' said James. "They have just finished touring South Africa where they played six and won four. So they are not easy opposition.

"In fact, none of the teams we will play this week will be easy.'' Added James: "This is the first time these turf wickets have been played on.

And they were very, very quick this morning.

"But the guys batted well. They are functioning as a very close unit right now. They're looking to come home as the Americas champions.'' Chasing Bermuda's mammoth total, Argentina could never maintain the required run-rate and in the end settled for batting practice as Dennis Pilgrim led Bermuda's attack with three wickets for 30 runs off eight overs.

Mackie Crane returned two for 33 off eight, Herbie Bascome two for 23 off seven, Lionel Cann one for 15 off four, Janeiro Tucker one for 18 off seven and Oliver Pitcher one for eight off four.

Yesterday's other match between the USA and Caymans produced a thrilling climax which went down to the last ball of the last over.

Having batted first and scored 137, the Caymans appeared headed for victory as they ripped through the US batting. But the final pair put on 20 to tie the score in the last over.

Then on the final ball, the Caymans bowler sent down a no-ball to give US victory even though the batsman was caught out.

Bermuda enjoy a rest day today as Argentina take on Caymans and Canada play the US. Bermuda return to the King City ground tomorrow for their second match against Caymans.

Charlie Marshall: match-winning innings of 164 against Argentina.