A DEVASTATING spell of off-spin bowling by Berbician Vejai Seonarine, which saw him capture four wickets for 11 runs in his nine-over spell, and a responsible innings of 60 from his countryman Sudesh Dhaniram ensured Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA) Over-50s advance to the final of the trilateral series involving themselves, hosts Canada and the USA.
In yesterday’s encounter, played at the picturesque Danville ground in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, the WI Over-50s thrashed USA by 67 runs after reaching a challenging 178 all out in 44.3 overs and dismissing their counterparts for 111 off 43.2 overs. Both teams were unbeaten up to yesterday, making light work of Canada on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

The format will, however, see USA and Canada clash in today’s semi-final and the winner battling with the WI Over-50s in the championship game tomorrow. The victory will also serve as a welcome rest for the WI Over-50s who have played four straight days since arriving in Canada.
Yesterday’s much anticipated clash petered out into a one-sided affair after Seonarine, who also bamboozled Canada to the tune of four for 12 on Tuesday, was again in menacing form with the ball, as the USA batsmen found it hard to negotiate him on a turning pitch. Once Mohan Harihar (two for 21) removed the two openers, the way was cleared for Seonarine to clean up the middle-order.
Earlier, former Guyana opener Sudesh Dhaniram shared in two important partnerships, 60 for the fourth-wicket with his brother Sunil (23) and a further 45 with Seonarine (16).

The Dhaniram brothers came together at 45 for three in the 16th over after opener Daniel Sadeo (27) had dominated an opening stand of 38 with Krishna Harricharran (12) and Shivnauth Seeram departed for four. The Port Mourant-born Sadeo struck three fours before he was adjudged lbw to left-arm spinner Sanjay Pandya.
With Sudesh Dhniram looking in excellent form, the WI Over-50s seemed destined to get past the 200-run mark but following the loss of Sunil, Seonarine and later himself at 167 for six, the rest of the batting subsided as five wickets tumbled for a mere 28 runs with no other batsman reaching double figures. Sudesh’s knock included three fours. Medium fast bowler Monesh Khan, who caused the early damage, ended with four for 37 from his nine overs while the impressive Pandya finished with three for 23, also off nine. Tomorrow’s final will be followed by a presentation ceremony. (Frederick Halley)