Argentina hosted the 4th South American Cricket Championship 2000, in Buenos Aires from the 7th -10th December. The matches were of 40 overs duration, and the seven (7) teams participating were drawn in two groups. The Blue Group comprised Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Venezuela, while Chile, The Guyana Masters and Panama made up the Green Group.

Matches were played at The Belgrano Sports Club, Corimayo, The Hurlingham Club, Lomas Athletic Club and Quilmes.

Argentina 'A' won their 3 matches in the Blue Group while Chile won their two in the Green Group. This made for an interesting and much anticipated showdown between Argentina and Chile in the Final at the Lomas Athletic Club.

Having won the toss, Chile decided to bat, but some high quality bowling by the Argentinians restricted Chile to a meagre 75 runs. Lucas Paterlini, Paul Ferguson and Juan Pablo Pussi each collected 3 wickets.

Argentina were on 60 for 2 when a sudden downpour sent the players scampering to the safety of the pavilion. No further play would have meant the game ending as a "no result". However, blue skies appeared and in the first over after the resumption, Murray Davis hit 17 runs to clinch victory for Argentina 'A'.

Brazil secured 3rd place by eliminating Panama in a "bowl-out" at Corimayo, whilst the Guyana Masters beat Peru at the Hurlingham Club to earn 5th place.

Final placings were: (1) Argentina, (2) Chile, (3) Brazil, (4) Panama, (5) Guyana, (6) Peru, (7) Venezuela.

Billy MacDermott, (also the Under 19 Captain), collected the trophy for his victorious team and Robert Weekes, in his first role as the newly appointed Cricket Development Manager for the Americas, distributed gold medals to the winning team. Matt Featherstone from Brazil was named "Player of the Tournament" for his performances which included a magnificent undefeated century against Argentina.

Congratulations to the organizing committee who ran a most successful event.

All bodes well for the continued expansion and Development of cricket in South America, and the Americas Region in general.

© ICC