Canada warmed-up for their three-nation international series against fellow World Cup finalists Bangladesh and Bermuda with a five-wicket win over Antigua and Barbuda in a practice match at the Antigua Recreation Ground.

Chasing 232 for victory, Canada, one of the 16 teams taking part in the 2007 World Cup 2007 in the Caribbean, reached their target with 44 balls to spare, following half-centuries from Abdool Samad and Ashif Mulla.

Samad laid the foundation for Canada with the top score of 64 off 70 balls which included five fours and one six.

He added 87 for the second wicket with Ashish Bagai, who made 45, before Mulla came to the wicket and guided the Canadians to victory with an unbeaten 56 which contained five fours and two sixes from 51 balls.

Mulla and George Codrington, the Barbados-born Canadian captain, put on 54 unbroken to see their side home, after the visitors wobbled to 178 for five.

Earlier, Kerry Mentore led the way with 55 that included five fours and one six off 96 balls, but the rest of the Antigua and Barbuda batting failed to add substance, and the hosts were restricted to 231 for eight off 50 overs.

Antigua captain Sylvester Joseph, one of the reserves for the West Indies team for the World Cup, made only three for the home team.

The three-nation series begins later Sunday when Bangladesh face Bermuda at the ARG, then Canada play the Bermudians on Monday, before Bangladesh meet the Canadians on Wednesday.

All three teams are taking part in the World Cup which officially opens on March 11 at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium in Jamaica.

Brief scores:
Antigua and Barbuda: 231 for five off 50 overs (Kerry Mentore 55, Orlando Peters 33, Austin Richards 32, Justin Athanaze 30 not out; George Codrington 2-33, Kevin Sandher 2-40).

Canada 232 for five off 42.4 overs (Abdool Samad 64, Ashif Mulla 56 not out, Ashish Bagai 45, George Codrington 21 not out; Gavin Tonge 2-60).

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)