MISSISSAUGA, Canada, CMC – West Indies HPC survived a blitz from former County pro David Hemp to secure a 19-run win over Bermuda in their rain-ravaged opening game of the Canada Summer Festival yesterday.
The former Glamorgan and Warwickshire batsman smashed an entertaining 78 from 62 balls with seven sixes as Bermuda finished on 153 for seven in response to HPC 171 all out off 29.4 overs.
Fast bowler Brandon Bess, who played a Test against South Africa in June, was the best bowler with two for 20.
Winning the toss and batting at Malton Cricket Club in a game which started at 2 pm and was reduced to 30 overs per side, HPC were off to a great start thanks to stroke-maker Kieran Powell.
The Leeward Islands left-hander stroked a top score of 46 in adding 79 with Rajendra Chandrika (32) for the first wicket.
However, when both openers fell, HPC lost wickets steadily and their last seven wickets fell for just 17 runs.
Today, HPC clash with Canada in their second one-day match at the same venue.
