The fight for top position intensifies when Bermuda face Panama in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Sub-Regional Qualifier this morning (10.30am).

After the first day of action was disrupted by bad weather on Sunday, Cal Waldron’s side made a flying start with a ten-wicket triumph over Belize the next day.

Bermuda are second on three points, trailing Panama who are on five points and have played one more game. With only one team progressing to the next stage of the qualifiers, the encounter promises plenty of excitement.

Winners of the tournament will earn the right to join Cayman Islands, champions of the sub-regional qualifier B, Canada and the United States, who were given a bye having participated in the previous T20 World Cup.

Bermuda might benefit from the two-day rest, as they are likely to come into the encounter firing in all cylinders.

Panama shot to the top of the table after defeating Bahamas by four wickets on Wednesday.

Marc Taylor scored 62 at the top of the Bahamas order for his team to post 114 for five. In response, player of the match Mahmed Bawa contributed 47 as Panama reached their target with 19 balls to spare.

It was the second win of the five-team tournament for Panama, following their victory by 69 runs over Brazil on Monday.

Belize defeated Brazil by eight wickets in the second match of the day to pick up their first win of the tournament.

Vice-captain Luiz Muller’s 36-ball 46 took Brazil to 133 for nine while Belize captain Maurice Castillo picked up three for 16.

Player of the match Alexander Oxley struck an unbeaten 80, off 63 deliveries. It was the highest individual score for Belize in T20 Internationals, surpassing the 70 by Lawrence Bonner against Panama in December 2024.

Oxley and Castillo (29 not out), guided Belize to a comfortable victory, achieved with 13 balls remaining.