Dominic Sabir scored 52 against Bermuda as the island’s cricketers continued preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup Americas Sub-Regional Qualifier with a 45-run win over Mexico yesterday.

Batting first, Bermuda reached 161 for seven in their 20 overs, with Alex Dore producing the highest score of 38 and Dion Stovell contributing 37. In reply, Mexico managed 116 for nine, with their margin of defeat reduced significantly by Sabir, one of three Bermuda players loaned to their opponents. Sabir struck 52 off just 36 deliveries against his compatriots.

Opting to bat first, Bermuda captain Terryn Fray opened alongside Tre Manders, with Dore dropping to No 4 as Bermuda trialled another top-order partnership. Manders was the first wicket to fall, bowled by Yashvanth Jasti for seven, while Fray followed for 18, leaving Bermuda at 35 for two after 4.3 overs.

Stovell, batting at No 3, then partnered Dore to produce the highest stand of the innings, combining for 49 runs before Stovell was bowled by Shoaib Rafiq Golra. Onias Bascome made 17 before Jonte Smith (23) and Dore were both run out by Bermuda team-mate Jarryd Richardson, who was keeping wicket for Mexico. Zeko Burgess was dismissed first ball, leaving Kevon Fubler and Jermal Proctor at the crease at the close of the innings.

Chasing 161, Mexico made a poor start, losing Kashi Patil for a duck to a catch by Bascome off the bowling of Proctor. Patil’s opening partner Sabir then anchored the innings while a succession of Mexico batters came and went. Sabir hit six fours and two sixes off his Bermuda team-mates on his way to his half-century before eventually falling for 52.

Only two other Mexican batters, Luis Hermida (10) and Jasti (17), reached double figures as Bermuda claimed a comfortable victory. Proctor was the pick of the bowlers, taking two for 20 from his three overs.