Bermuda slumped to its worst ever defeat at the International Youth Tournament and third in a row when they were mercilessly whipped by a Zimbabwean juggernaut yesterday in Denmark.

Batting first, the Africans first feasted on an appetising local bowling attack before rolling over, through and around the Bermuda bats, with the end result a convincing 229 run victory.

The 295 runs posted was also the highest conceded by a local side in the competition, beating the 290 registered by England in 1991 when Bermuda placed second overall.

Currently last in the standings on account of a 0-3 record after earlier losses against Ireland and Holland, Bermuda face a battle for respectability with a top four placing still a possibility.

Conversely, Zimbabwe, unbeaten after three matches, lead at the halfway stage and are on course for a showdown with England -- also undefeated -- on Monday, which could decide the championship.

"First of all one must accept that Zimbabwe is a Test playing nation and their level is very high,'' explained team manager Ellsworth Christopher.

"They have been well prepared by tours to South Africa and England prior to coming here and are really up to their game.'' Bermuda endured a tortuous opening session in the field after losing the toss as Zimbabwe's openers Campbell and Rennie put on 40 runs for the first wicket.

The latter went on to record 62, while his opening partner fell for 20.

However, there was little relief for the bowlers with Gifford (eight) and Rennie then combining for a further 36 runs for the second wicket.

Wishner (53) and Syzeak (49) compounded the misery before a mini collapse gave Bermuda a glimmer of hope only to have the tail wag mightily, with Godden (25) and Peacock (29) threatening to take it to the triple century mark.

Garry Williams bowled economically despite failing to bag a wicket, his 10 overs costing just 22 runs, but the remainder of the attack were treated with ultimate disdain and did not help their cause by conceding an inexcusable 42 extras.

The floating right-arm spin of Justin Robinson claimed two scalps as did Steval Arorash with his medium pacers, albeit at an expensive rate, his eight overs cost 55 runs.

Captain Janeiro Tucker, Sam Robinson and Kevin Hurdle each grabbed one wicket apiece from the maximum 10 overs, but the punishment in terms of runs read 55, 71 and 55.

As has been the case throughout the week the top order once again failed to produce.

The task gets no easier today with defending champions England as the opposition.

JUSTIN ROBINSON -- The young spinner claimed two wickets during yesterday's loss to Zimbabwe.