Inasmuch as rainy conditions wreaked havoc in the latter stages of the local domestic season, precipitation forced the cancellation of Bermuda’s opening North America Cup match against hosts Cayman Islands in George Town on Sunday.

A large weather system dominating the Caribbean region and producing extensive thunderstorms fuelled a frustrating day at Jimmy Powell Oval for a Bermuda squad anxious for live action and revenge against the team that derailed their hopes during last year’s ICC T20 World Cup Americas final qualifier.

“We were looking forward to having an opportunity to get a little get back on them after losing to them in Canada in that final game,” said team manager Courtney Trott, who well remembered the shock, nine-wicket defeat handed to Bermuda at Maple Leaf North-West Ground, King City.

“Not to take Bahamas for granted, but Cayman is our biggest test.”

With the Bahamas largely viewed as the weakest of the three competing nations, the no result could set up an intriguing second match between Bermuda and Cayman in the round-robin phase on Wednesday.

Assuming both teams get past the Bahamians, the game could go a long way towards deciding which country gains automatic entry into Sunday’s final.

Unwilling to take matters for granted, Trott softened that framing, noting the format's built-in safety net: every team still has a chance at the end, as the second- and third-placed sides will take part in a play-off for the final berth.

“The beauty of this tournament is that everybody has a chance, for lack of a better word, because being that it’s three teams, second and third will play to see who goes to the final, while the first team goes directly to the final,” added Trott. “We just have to do our part and beat whichever team is in front of us.”

Bermuda will have an off day on Monday, while Bahamas and Cayman are due to clash.

However, Trott noted more rain was forecast over the next several days, with the coaching and management team facing the added task of keeping the squad physically and psychologically attuned to the mission.

“You can't take anybody for granted, so you have to be ready and bring your A game every time you step onto the field,” he said. “So that will be the goal and the plan going into the Bahamas game and beyond.

“The coaches are keeping them engaged in various ways as well. There’s a fairly decent gym here where we're staying, so we will be utilising that to keep everybody engaged and at peak fitness.”

Three teams make up the tournament, with the United States and Canada suspended from the International Cricket Council due to governance concerns.