United States 170-6

Argentina 171-3

United States opener Aamer Alfazaluddin stroked 111 not out but his brilliant century wasn't sufficient to prevent his team from suffering a seven-wicket defeat against Argentina at Southampton Oval in an Under-19 tournament match reduced to 32 overs yesterday.

With vice-captain Pablo Ferguson hitting a superb 66 and skipper Esteban Macdermott contributing 22, Argentina easily reached their winning target in 28 overs in a game that didn't start until 3.22 p.m. because of the rain delay.

It was virtually a one-man batting show for the US with the Indian-born Alfazaluddin taking charge from the beginning, although he never managed to find a reliable partner.

When the innings ended, he had struck 13 fours and seven sixes, treating all bowlers with disdain while batting for 128 minutes. The only other batsman in double figures was Tulsieram Mangro with 18.

Pablo Ryan was the outstanding bowler for Argentina, taking three for 27 off six overs while Martin Hemmingsen had three for 33 off seven overs.

Argentina's batting strength was obvious from the start as openers Lucas Paterlin and Agustin Casime put on 56, Paterlin striking 24 and Casime 22. Both were back in the pavilion with the score on 89 but when Herman Williams went without any addition to the score, Argentina got back on track as Ferguson and Macdermott put on 82 that took them to victory with four overs to spare.

Yesterday's Under-19 tournament game scheduled for Devonshire Rec. between Canada and Cayman Islands was postponed after water seeped through the covers and soaked the pitch.