Solomon Burrows hit a half-century for Bermuda, but the adage “catches win matches” was apt yesterday as the islanders were defeated by the United States in the opener of the Under-19 World Cup Qualifier Americas Region at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club in suburban Toronto.

Despite a modest total of 103 for eight posted by the Bermudians, the US were made to sweat as four catches were put down, two by captain Nzari Paynter and two more by young fast bowler Nirobi Smith Mills.

Earlier, a sodden outfield rendered play almost impossible, however aggressive work by the groundstaff ensured that the match could begin at around 4.30pm local time but limited to a 20-over contest.

Unsurprisingly, the US, having won the toss, sent Bermuda in with the outfield still quite damp.

Openers Jabari Darrell (8) and Solomon Burrows put on 16 for the first wicket before a 44-run partnership between Burrows and Marcus Scotland (10) took the score to 60 in the 14th over before Scotland was yorked by Gaurav Pantakar.

Although a useful partnership in terms of runs, the pair found it difficult to rotate strike and subsequently the run-rate declined. The middle order batsman were forced to up the tempo and as a result a clutch of wickets fell with only Dalin Richardson (14) managing to reach double figures along with the impressive Burrows (56) who fell in the final over.

With a below-par total it was imperative for Bermuda to take early wickets and one duly arrived in the first over by way of run out as Jaiden Manders pounced at backward point to quickly relay the ball to wicketkeeper Scotland, who did the rest with Mohak Buch stranded.

But with the score on 8 for one, Harish Easwariah drove at a delivery from Richardson to Paynter at mid-off, who spilt the chance and with it a little of Bermuda’s momentum.

Two overs later it was Paynter again in the same position who dropped the ball head height as he moved to his right.

To their credit, Bermuda kept going but with the score on 31, Smith Mills was culpable and any realistic chance of winning the match disappeared.

By the time he put down another catch the game was all but won as US skipper Arjun Patel (46 not out) saw his side home with 3.3 overs to spare.

Bermuda head coach, Clay Smith admitted that he would have liked to have had another 20 to 30 runs but despite that if catches had been taken the team may have come out victorious.

“When you drop that many catches in a T20, it’s going to cost you”, he said.

Bermuda have a day off before facing hosts Canada tomorrow it what amounts to a must-win for their chances to win the tournament. The US face Canada today.

Bermuda then face the Americans again on Friday and Canada the following day before the US face their northern neighbours to close out the tournament on Sunday.