Samuels stars in Jamaica's victory

Marlon Samuels batted steadily, bowled economically and took two wickets to lead Jamaica to a 47-run win in a Twenty20 game against USA in Lauderhill. Samuels' half-century led Jamaica to 145 for 3 and then the bowlers restricted the hosts to 98 for 9.

Jamaica lost opener Donovan Pagon for 13 after getting sent in but Samuels, who made an unbeaten 52, and Wavell Hinds added 54 for the second wicket to put the innings on track. The acceleration was provided by Danza Hyatt, who came in at No. 4 and smashed 48 off 22 balls before falling to the last ball of the innings. Hyatt helped add 72 runs off 46 balls for the third wicket with Samuels.

USA's chase slipped from 26 for 0 to 39 for 5 in the space of four overs and there was no recovering from such a collapse. Wicketkeeper Ashhar Mehdi top scored with 28 in a total of 98. Samuels, Bevon Brown, Krishmar Santokie and Hyatt all took two wickets each to ensure a Jamaican victory.