Canada run Bangladesh dry

Hannan Sarkar and Sanwar Hossain, who both made 25, were the only batsmen to offer sustained resistance as the Canadians backed up accurate outswing bowling from the dreadlocked Austin Codrington, who took five wickets, and Davis Joseph with superb fielding.

Ian Billcliff top-scored for Canada with 42 but was one of two foolish run-outs as the North Americans failed to bat out their full 50 overs. The 30-year-old Billcliff, who has played provincial cricket in New Zealand, struck six fours in 63 balls before batting partner Ashish Bagai called him for a run in the 37th over, and then refused to move himself.

Billcliff’s dismissal followed that of St. Kitts-born Desmond Chumney, who blasted a quickfire 28 with three fours and a six before running himself out in the 15th over.

Canada, playing in their second World Cup and first since 1979, had made a flying start against some wayward Bangladesh bowling, reaching 70 for two before Chumney’s departure triggered a collapse. Bangladesh, the 10th and most recent addition to the Test-playing nations, came into the match expecting to beat Canada convincingly and would have been disappointed that their bowlers conceded 14 wides.

Brief scores: Canada 180 in 49.1 overs (I Maraj 24, D Chumney 28, I Billcliff 42, Mortaza 2-38, Sanwar 2-26) beat Bangladesh 120 in 28 overs (Hannan Sarkar 25, Sanwar Hossain 25, Joseph 2-42, Codrington 5-27, Davison 2-15).