In a thrilling round of league matches at the inaugural Over 40 Cricket Global Cup 2023, Pakistan, West Indies, and the United States of America (USA) solidified their positions in the semi-finals, while Australia, Hong Kong, and Canada remain in contention for a top-four finish.
West Indies demolished Nepal by eight wickets at NBP Sports Complex, Pakistan overwhelmed Canada by 78 runs at National Bank Stadium and USA routed Australia by 77 runs at Karachi Gymkhana.
The West Indians faced little problems in overcoming the winless Nepal. Put into bat by the Windies, Nepal kept losing wickets regularly at one end, while opener Rabin Joshi waged a lone battle against the bowlers.
He made 97 off 136 balls, but lack of support from his colleagues didn’t allow them to post a respectable total and they had to settle with a below-par 177-6 in 45 overs.
As expected, there was an early finish to the game with West Indies reaching the target in just 24.1 overs.
Guyanese opener Hemraj Garbarran, named Man-of-the-Match, was unbeaten on 71 off 63 balls with nine boundaries.
West Indies had their best opening partnership on tour of 58 between Garbarran and Shazan Babwah, who contributed 46 off 31 four fours and three sixes. Thereafter, Garbarran teamed up with Guyanese compatriot Devon Clements in a 99-run partnership to flay the Nepal bowlers.
Clements 40 off 44 as West Indies sealed their third victory in five matches.
Hosts Pakistan have virtually booked a place in the semi-finals, having won their first five matches and earning the maximum 10 points. USA have moved to second place with seven points, closely followed by West Indies with six.
Next on the list are Hong Kong and Canada with five points each, while the Australia are in sixth position with only three points. UAE have two points, while Nepal has yet not claimed any point.