Defending champions Canada took a big step towards retaining their title in the Americas Women’s Championship in Florida, USA with a solid 40 run victory over North American rivals USA. Added importance to the victory is that it also moves Canada closer to a place in the Americas Qualifying Series to maintain their Women’s World Cup dream.

Canada will next play the revelation of the tournament Argentina on Friday, while the USA face the South Americans tomorrow at Brian Picollo Park. Although having lost to Argentina in the T20 phase of the tournament, the USA will still perhaps be considered favourites to win what is for them the last chance to finish in the top two. An Argentina victory tomorrow will simply eliminate the USA from any success in the event.

Having been asked to bat, Canada compiled a respectable total of 178 for 9 in their allotted 40 overs, thanks largely to a excellent innings of 71 from Mona Persuad. The Canadian number four faced 88 balls and struck 3 fours, and received some support from Sheryl Tittlemier, who made 20 in 38 balls, sharing in a vital fourth wicket partnership of 48 after Canada had been reduced to 57 for 3 at one point.

In reply, the USA made a fine start to their run chase, as Doris Francis (39 in 72 balls, 1 four) and Candacy Atkins (35 in 53 balls, 2 fours) put on 56 for the third wicket, putting their team in strong position at 101 for 3. However the middle and tail order batters could maintain the challenge, and the USA were all out for 138 in 37 overs.

Canadian captain, Joanna White (3 for 22 in 6 overs) and player of the match, and Mona Persaud (3 for 32 in 5 overs) were the main wicket takers, as the last seven USA wickets fell for a mere 37 runs.

In the day’s other game, Bermuda proved too strong for Brazil, winning by 6 wickets. Earlier, having been asked to bat, Brazil produced an inspired performance, scoring 123 all out in 38,5 overs. Bermuda reached their target of 124 in 30,2 overs for the loss of 4 wickets, but were made to fight all the way.

Brazilian all-rounder Juliana Brito was the star of the Brazilian performance against Bermuda, scoring 22, and taking 2 for 20 in 8 overs. For Bermuda, player of the match Terry Lynn Paynter, made an invaluable undefeated 49, including 4 fours.

Taking all things into account, the performance of the Brazilians has been phenomenal. Perhaps lacking technically in many areas, their potential, awareness and learning curve over the course of event has been great, and in reality, they are now where Argentina were a mere two years ago.

Tomorrow’s games, both at Brian Picollo Park, sees Argentina take on USA, while Brazil will face the T&T; Development XI.