Gomes coaches US to first W/Cup win

Chasing the African nation’s 219 for eight off 50 overs, the US recovered from a shaky start to reach 220 for eight from 49 overs, and book a place in the semi final of the tournament.

Captain Hemant Punoo struck the top score of 64 from 76 balls with eight fours while Mrunal Patel got 31, as they shared a stand of 68 for the fifth wicket after the US slipped to 44 for three.

Earlier, Dominic Audain grabbed three for 49 as the US limited Namibia to their eventual score, despite half centuries from Pieter Grove (58) and Dawid Botha (56).

New Zealand and South Africa, both beaten by the West Indies in the warm-up and preliminary phases of the competition, redeemed themselves by winning their Plate quarter-finals, after missing the main draw quarter finals.

At the R Premadasa Stadium, the Kiwis put on a superb batting performance to overhaul Ireland’s 304 for nine in 50 overs, reaching 305 for seven off the first ball of the innings’ final over.

Timothy Southee hit a 55-ball 92 and Andrew de Boorder cracked 87 to form the catalyst of the run chase.

Earlier, talented Eion Morgan hit a brilliant 124 from 126 balls and Andrew Poynter got 76, as Ireland mounted a challenging total.

South Africa meanwhile went on a run-spree against Scotland, amassing 337 for eight in their 50 overs with Dean Elgar hitting 86 from 73 balls and Jean Symes getting 63.

Scotland faltered for 152 all out off 40.4 overs, to lose by 185 runs at the Nondescripts Cricket Club.

In the final match, Nepal beat Uganda by 60 runs at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium after making 192 for nine in their allotted overs and dismissing the opposition for 132 off 44.3 overs.