Panama clinched their first ever Central American Championship title in San Jose, Costa Rica, after securing a comfortable victory over El Salvador at Los Reyes Polo Club. Taking no chances, Panama elected to bat first and raced to a daunting 191 for 3 in their 20 overs. El Salvador were never going to threaten that score, and ended on a brave and defiant 42 for 8, thus victory for Panama by 149 runs.
The big game really was between Belize and Mexico, both teams looking for second place overall, and it was the Mexicans who caused something of an upset by beating their more fancied opponents by 8 runs in a tight contest. Mexico batted brilliantly to reach 158 for 2 in 20 overs, and although Belize always threatened to sneak home, some tight bowling at the death saw Mexico home.
All in all, a memorable event, played at a beautiful venue at Los Reyes Polo Club. The Costa Rica Cricket Association, and in particular their hard-working President, Mr.Richard Illingworth, and his volunteer team, can be justifiably proud of having hosted an oustanding tournament.
Yet to be confirmed, but it looks like the 4th Central American Championship will take place in Panama in 2011.
Individual prize-winners were:
- Player of the Tournament: Arunesh Verma (Mexico)
- Best Batsman: Shane Catford (Costa Rica)
- Best Bowler: Irfan Tarajia (Panama)
- Spirit of Cricket Award (Richard Illingworth Award): Sam Arthur (Costa Rica)
- Panama beat El Salvador by 149 runs.
Los Reyes Polo Club, 6 April.
Panama 191-3 (20 overs, Soyeb Chohan 56, Altaf Manjra 41*)
El Salvador 42-8 (20 overs, S Cullen 16, Manish Ahir 3-6, Nilesh Bhakta 2-5) - Mexico beat Belize by 8 runs.
Los Reyes Polo Club, 6 April.
Mexico 158-2 (20 overs, A Verma 20, Yasir Patel 45*, K Ahuja 70*)
Belize 150-6 (20 overs, W Anthony 27, D MacFadzean 38*, R Casasola 20, M Matta 2-17)
P W L T Pts
Panama 4 4 0 0 16
Mexico 4 3 1 0 12
Belize 4 2 2 0 8
Costa Rica 4 1 3 0 4
El Salvador 4 0 4 0 0
