In a tense and exciting showdown at Longchamps yesterday, Argentina A narrowly maintained their unbeaten record in the South American Championship with a nailbiting 2 wicket win over Brazil.

Brazil were asked to bat first, and were all out for 149 in 38,5 overs. John Toshack top-scored with 51, while Will Sutton and Matt Featherstone contributed 24 apiece. The Argentine second string bowlers maintained a tidy line and length throughout, with captain Billy MacDermott taking 4 for 20 in 6,5 overs, with good support from Michael Rowe (1 for 23 in 8 overs) and Sunyog Chauhan (1 for 13 in 6 overs).

An interesting aside was the contribution of father and son Malcolm and Charles Gibson. Malcolm took 2 catches, while wicket-keeper Charles chalked up 5 victims (3 catches and 2 stumpings) to account for seven batsmen between them. Argentina A were cruising at 78 for 1, before a middle and lower order collapse saw them staggering at 111 for 6, losing 5 wickets for merely 33 runs. At 132 for 8, still needing 18 runs for victory, the game was on a knifes edge, but a cameo innings of great quality from Lucas Paterlini (28 not out) saw the hosts home to 153 for 8 with 4 overs to spare.

Sergio Ciaburri (41) and Charles Gibson (21) were the chief contributors, while Brazilian Man of the Match, Norman Baldwin, finished with excellent bowling figures of 5 for 21 in 8 overs.

In the other opening encounter of the 5th South American Championship, played at Barker Field, Chile easily accounted for the Andean Masters combination with a massive 320 run victory. Chilean Man of the Match Paul Hollis provided the fireworks with a brilliant innings of 223 not out in a Chile total of 376 for 2 in 40 overs. Simon Shalders (81) and Guy Hooper (53 not out) were the other principal scorers. Paul Eason was the best of the Andean Masters with 1 for 34 in 8 overs.

Chile then bowled out the Andean Masters for a meagre 56 in 22,4 overs. Tim Messner, with 3 for 21, Jonathon Bensted, 4 for 9, and Jason Anglin, 2 for 12, were the principal wicket takers.

Today sees Argentina A take on Chile in a key game at Longchamps, while Brazil meet the Andean Masters at Pinazo. Games start at 12.00hs.

South American Championship standings: 1. Chile: 4 pts (rr + 8,0) ; 2. Argentina A: 4 pts (rr + 0,53) ; 3. Brazil: 0 pts (rr – 0,53) ; 4. Andean Masters: 0 pts (rr – 8,0)

© Argentine Cricket Association