After a stunning upset victory at Ajax on Friday, Canada came back to earth with a thump in a re-match against West Indies 'A' at Ross Lord Park in Toronto. The A squad looked much more formidable today, and a combination of good bowling and superb catching had Canada all out for just 128. Reon King set the tone early on when Fazil Sattaur had no answer to a very fast yorker in the first over. Chumney (21) showed some resistance, but then Tino Best (5/36), supported by some magnificent catching, destroyed the Canadian middle order. Canada slumped to 63 for 6, and only some determined and accomplished batting by young keeper Aasish Bagai took them into three figures. He recieved some support from John Davison (15), but the last three wickets fell quickly stranding him on 34 not out.

The West Indians were set just 126 to win and decided a positve approach was the answer. The score was already 25 in the fourth over, when skipper Ganga was caught by Chumney off the bowling of Codrington. His opening partner Simmons soon followed, caught by Sadher off Joseph. When Bravo was bowled by Codrington the West Indians were 29/3 and Canada might have felt they had a ghost of a chance. Morton contributed a bright 24 before Sattaur caught him off de Groot, and Hinds (38) and Breese (19*) made light work of knocking off most of the remaining runs. Joseph picked up another wicket, but too late, as the West Indians ran out winners with 11 overs to spare.

The Canadians perfomed well in the field but defending such a small total was always going to be a challenge. The Canadians will be hoping for a better showing with the bat tomorrow, when the deciding match of the series takes place at King City.

© CricInfo