No cigar for Argentina

Toronto, Canada - Yet again so near but so far for the spirited Argentina cricket team. A horrible bowling start saw the USA race into a commanding position before a determined fightback and some characteristicly outstanding fielding, on the ground and in the air, saw Argentina bowl out the USA for 243 in 47 overs. Another resolute and intelligent batting display saw Argentina on target nearly all the way through, until later in the innings when the pressure of runs and a sudden USA hat-trick saw Argentina's innings end for 202 in the 49th over. Hero was Argentina's Player of the Series, Matias Paterlini, with a cultured 63, well-supported by 37 from skipper Kirschbaum, and 34 from make-shift opener Perez Rivero. At one point 78 without loss, and later 142 for 1, too many careless runs, in my opinion in excess of 80, given away by untidy bowling, saw the task tantalisingly out of reach.