St Albans Club, Corimayo, Buenos Aires (Panama won toss): Bermuda (2pts) beat Panama (0) by nine wickets

Bermuda won another one-sided contest at the ICC T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Americas Qualifier when thrashing Panama yesterday.

Set just 61 runs to win after restricting Panama to 60 for seven from their 20 overs, with left-arm spinner Kevon Fubler picking up two wickets for 15 runs, Bermuda reached the target with ease in just 4.4 overs.

Captain Terryn Fray, who was named player of the match, finished unbeaten on 37 off 15 balls, with No 3 Tre Manders ending the game not out on 18.

Fray was pleased to win by such a huge margin — achieved with 92 balls to spare — as the victory boosted Bermuda’s net run-rate.

“It was a great performance by the guys,” Fray said. “We knew yesterday and coming into today that we were looking to win big.

“It worked out because we wanted to bowl first. Again, I thought the guys bowled really well and then Tre and myself brought it home in brisk time.

“It was great to get the target in 4.4 overs, I couldn’t ask for much more. Kudos to Tre for coming out aggressive, and obviously a different approach from myself. It’s good to win and to win big to solidify our dominance in the tournament very early.”

Panama never got going after opting to make first use of the batting track and they lost their first wicket two balls into the innings.

Good fielding from Dominic Sabir saw him release the ball quickly to Sinclair Smith to complete the dismissal of Breeze Ahir, who was run out a first-ball duck.

Another run-out, this time following some quick thinking by Dion Stovell, saw Irfan Hafejee run out at the non-striker’s end as he departed for three to leave Panama staggering.

The introduction of the left-arm spin pair of Fubler and Derrick Brangman further stifled Panama.

“Kevon’s been out of the [international] game for a while. I know he’s excited to be part of the national programme, and he’s doing well,” Fray said.

“He trained well when we went into this competition. This group of guys deserves to be here and they’ve done what they have to do. They’re very committed and it’s now time to reap the rewards.

While Panama captain Anilkumar Natubhai Ahir led their scoring with a leisurely 27 from 49 balls at No 4, and Mahmud Jasat chipped in with 18 down the order, their total was never going to trouble the highest-ranked team in the competition.

Bermuda lost Sabir for a golden duck four balls into their run chase, but that was the only celebration for Panama.

Fray, who is out to prove he has what it takes to thrive in this format, struck five fours and a six to hasten Bermuda’s victory, with Manders contributing three boundaries to take the team over the line.

“Back home, they don’t consider me a T20 player too much, but we’ve only got a few guys to pick from,” Fray said.

“So whenever I get a chance to prove myself right, and leave the critics back at home, I’m happy with that.”

Bermuda will enjoy a break on Monday, before they face Mexico, Brazil and Belize in successive days and there may be a chance for fringe players Jarryd Richardson, Chare Smith and Alex Dore, who are yet to feature in the tournament.

“We’re in a unique position where we can experiment with a few things,” the captain said. “We have quality players all the way through and maybe the next match presents an opportunity for a few of the guys who haven’t gotten a chance to play so far.

“This is the first time we’ve played in the sub-regional qualifier with so many teams and played three matches in three days.

“Hats off to Pedro [Costamagna], the physiotherapist. He’s doing some really good work, is himself available to the guys and they’re utilising him.”

“It’s so far so good and it’s coming together, so we’re just excited to get across this rest day and look forward to matchdays four and five.”