A Bermuda XI suffered five-wicket defeat in their first training-camp match as they warm up for the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League play-off.

The national team posted 136 for nine in 28 overs against Param Veer at Sanjay Farms in India yesterday, with Marcus Scotland and Kamau Leverock both stroking team-high scores of 33 and Terryn Fray hitting 31.

Seamers Jermal Proctor, Cejay Outerbridge and Leverock took a wicket each alongside two local guest players who were drafted in for an under-strength Bermuda side without six players denied visas for the trip.

Param Veer chased down Bermuda’s total in just 27 overs, but despite the loss acting Bermuda coach Cal Waldron said there were positives to take from the 50-overs contest.

“It was good to get a first-hand look at Marcus [Scotland] and Chare [Smith] in action and see our players challenged in a different arena of conditions,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“We still have to improve on our performances, so it’s up to the players to make adjustments.”

The team’s preparation suffered a setback last week when captain Delray Rawlins, Tre Manders, Chris Douglas, Allan Douglas Jr, Derrick Brangman and Zeko Burgess were unable to secure visas to enter India for the pre-tournament training camp.

Arrangements are now being made for the six players to travel to Malaysia next week, forcing Waldron to call upon the services of guest players to help fill the void in their absence.

“The players left behind is an unfortunate situation but definitely a learning situation to work towards it not happening again.” Waldron added.

“Those players are missing out on the learning the others are experiencing. However, it has allowed others to get a chance to perform and put a stake to their selection of inclusion.”

Bermuda were without wicketkeeper Sinclair Smith during their opponents’ run chase after he retired hurt when falling ill. However, Waldron says the player is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the island’s next warm-up match potentially against a team from the United Arab Emirates.

“He wasn’t feeling well and came off the field as a precaution,” he said. “He is in excellent condition and is fit to play further matches.”

The national team will play four matches during their training camp in India hosted by Swetal Desai, who runs Param Veer Cricket Academy.

“The camp has been a learning environment,” Waldron added. “We have had sessions twice a day to get used to the climate difference.

“Players are learning in their new environment and making technical adjustments to their games and their approach to the processes.

“They have had coaches here assessing them and giving feedback, plenty of batting and a variety of bowling in the nets.”

The ICC Men’s World Challenge League play-off will be held this month in Malaysia, where Bermuda have been placed in group A alongside Italy, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The top three teams from the group will advance to the Super Six stage of the competition, with the top four finishers from that qualifying for the 12-team World Cup Challenge League.

Bermuda will come up against Italy in their opening group A match on February 22 before taking on Saudi Arabia on February 25 and Kuwait on February 26.

Bermuda and Italy are the firm favourites to reach the Super Six stage, from which the top four finishers will qualify for the next cycle of the Challenge League, which will feature 12 teams.

The national cricket team were relegated to the bottom rung of qualifying after finishing winless from 15 matches spread across a three-year cycle.