BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, (CMC) – England pro Delray Rawlins led from the front with a four-wicket haul as Bermuda continued their preparations for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier with a six-wicket victory against an Argentina XI here Tuesday.

Bermuda bundled out the hosts, who opted to bat, for 77 in 17.2 overs, with Sussex left-arm slow bowler Rawlins, the team’s new captain, finishing with four for 10 from four overs.

Rawlins was well supported by Malachi Jones and Zeko Burgess, who claimed two wickets apiece, while former captain Kamau Leverock and Derrick Brangman took one wicket each.

In reply, Bermuda reached their target for the loss of four wickets in 15.5 overs. Jones led the way with an unbeaten 19 not out, with Rawlins (16), Tre Manders (14) and Leverock (13) also contributing.

Bermuda flew to Argentina from Tampa, Florida, where they cut short their participation in the T20 President Cup campaign after losing two players – Matty Watson and Charles Trott – to injuries during training.

A broken ankle has forced Trott to return home, while Watson is awaiting the result of a shoulder scan.

The team has been boosted by the arrival in Argentina of all-rounder Justin Pitcher, who was not part of the Florida trip. He made four not but did not bowl in Tuesday’s win.

Bermuda will take on an Argentina XI in a second warm-up game on Wednesday with the Qualifier proper beginning on Saturday, when Bermuda face Cayman Islands before taking on Argentina the following day.

Bermuda will also face the Bahamas, Belize and Panama in Argentina after Suriname withdrew, with the top three teams joining Canada for the Americas Region Qualifier Finals in Bermuda in September.

The winner of that will clinch the last T20 World Cup qualifying spot in the region. Next year’s edition
will be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States.