HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Former West Indies fast bowler Reon King says he was impressed by Bermuda’s “tenacious” display at the ICC T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier, which saw the island twice upset the more fancied United States to advance to the next stage ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
King, who served as match referee at the week-long round-robin tournament, which also included Canada and the Cayman Islands, said: “I think the resilience and tenacity of Bermuda stood out for me.”
Bermuda – boosted by the return of Sussex all-rounder Delray Rawlins, who scored a half-century and a 49 before missing the final game – finished second behind unbeaten Canada and advanced to the ICC T20 World Global Qualifier in the United Arab Emirates in October and November at the expense of the US, who came third ahead of the winless Caymans.
“I think it was a wonderful tournament,” 43-year-old King added.
“Canada and USA were obviously the powerhouses with their experience. USA had just been promoted to ODI status and Canada had a bone to pick with them, so you had good rivalry.
“Bermuda played very well at home and Cayman Islands didn’t disgrace themselves, so I think it was a very good tournament for all four teams.
“Certainly there were a lot of positives. Obviously there’s some areas where the teams need to tighten up on, and with experience and more opportunities that will certainly happen.”
Guyanese King, who claimed 53 wickets in 19 Test appearances and a further 76 ODI wickets for the West Indies between 1998 and 2005,.was impressed by his first visit to Bermuda.
“It is a very beautiful, nice island,” he said. “Very small, very friendly people.
“We received a lot of support, especially from the umpiring fraternity that came and assisted us. Very keen fellows in terms of some of the umpires that worked with us as fourth officials.”
