Central American cricket off the mark by CricketArchive

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Scorecard:	Belize v Costa Rica
Event:	Central American Championship 2006

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DateLine: 4th May 2006

 

In what is probably one of the true final frontiers of cricket in the world today, cricket took a small yet gigantic stride over the weekend, with the start of the 1st Central American Cricket Championships, in Belize City in Belize.

 

There are very few people in the world today who would associate the grand sport of cricket with the countries of Central America, yet in Belize, the hosts were facing off against the challenges posed by virtual cricket newcomers Costa Rica and Mexico respectively.

 

Although cricket is an established sport in Panama, and with efforts underway to revive the grow the game in other Central American countries, such as Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua, amongst others, the creation of a regional championship, loosely based on the long-running and successful South American Championship formula will no doubt prove to be an important catalyst for the future growth of cricket in a region traditionally dominated by football and baseball.

 

For Belize this event created the perfect opportunity to prepare for the forthcoming Division 2 Championship to be held in Argentina in early April, while for Costa Rica and Mexico respectively, this event provided them with an invaluable and historic moment in both countries development pathway.

 

On day one, Belize, overwhelming pre-tournament favourites, produced a powerful performance to overpower a spirited Costa Rica. Winning the toss and batting first, Belize muscled their way to an imposing 341 for the loss of 8 wickets in their 40 overs.

 

Opening pair Eldon Wade (96) and Winston Flowers (57) put on 129 runs in 14 overs for the first wicket, before young batting prodigy Conway Young (31), together with Wade, added another blistering 77 in only 8 overs to virtually put the game out of sight.

 

Dorian Gabb smashed a quick-fire 65 to take Belize well past the 300 mark, while Howell Gillett contributed with a sound 38.

 

Chris Prasad was the most economical bowler for Costa Rica, with 1 for 49 in 8 overs, while Michael Peart and Johnnie Lambert picked up 2 wickets apiece.

 

In reply, Costa Rica lost wickets regularly, and finally could only muster 60 all out in 35 overs. Their inexperience at this level was obvious, but the obvious enthusiasm and determination was a credit to the entire Costa Rican team. Top-scorer was Tim Baker with 14 not out.

 

Amongst the Belizean bowlers, Pradeep Perera was the pick, finishing with 3 for 9 in 8 overs, while Darren Rahburn picked up 2 for 8 in 4 overs. Belize will have been pleased by their clinical performance coming a couple of weeks ahead of the important ICC Americas WCL Division 2 tournament to be held in Argentina.