Bermuda's Dwayne Leverock fielding a ball in a Cricket World Cup warm-up match against Zimbabwe at Arnos Vale in St. Vincent.

by PHILIP SPOONER
in St Vincent

THIS LOOKS like a long, hard Cricket World Cup for Bermuda. From evidence submitted yesterday, the islanders are in for a hiding, and the truth is there is nowhere for them to hide.

Yesterday they batted poorly to be all out for 136 against Zimbabwe, who then waltzed to a six-wicket victory at the scenic Arnos Vale ground.

Next week, Bermuda go to Trinidad to play in Group B alongside the might of Sri Lanka and India, and the fledgling Bangladeshis.

Bermuda's best bet is to hope that their larger-than-life
left-arm spinner and policeman, Dwayne Leverock, who tips the scales at 275 pounds, can keep the opposing batsmen under heavy manners.

Yesterday, he bowled cleverly to get two for 53 off his ten overs.

The highlight of the day was a sparking, unbeaten 72 by Zimbabwe left-hander Sean Williams. The 20-year-old hit two fours and two sixes. It followed up his 44 against Australia earlier in the week.

"The pitch was slow, a wee bit skiddy, when I started, so I had to be cautious and get onto the front foot," he said after the match. "It was awesome the other day when I batted against Australia."

"It was a great experience for me. I came up against the best attack in the world and I said I had to value my wicket as high as possible. I got out, when I knew I should have carried on," he said.

Zimbabwe's run chase started horrendously, as they lost two wickets in the first two overs to be five for two. Sibanda was caught and bowled by Kevin Hurdle and Terrence Duffin was snapped up off Saleem Mukuddem for just a single.

Strokemaker

The wristy Williams and Justice Chibhabha, a silky strokemaker, led the recovery with a 73-run, third-wicket stand, which was broken by Leverock.

Chibhabha was caught at mid-off by Deloyne Borden, and Leverock claimed a second wicket when Elly Chigumbura was caught by David Hemp for four with 44 still needed for victory.

Stuart Matsikenyeri then came in and hit 21 not out and he and Williams motored on with little bother against the lightweight attack.