By Ravendra Madholall in South Africa

Canada has won  its first two matches at the inaugural Over-40 International Masters Cricket (IMC) World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa.

On Monday, the Canadians defeated Namibia by three wickets and on the following day, they beat Zimbabwe by a thrilling two-run margin.

The 12-nation tournament started on Monday with Canada participating in Group A which also includes Australia, England and USA.

Canada will clash with Australia. today.

In Canada’s first game, captain Vinay Devisetty scored 103 not out. Namibia batted first at the invitation of Canada and reached a competitive 253-8 from the 45-overs while Canada responded with 255-7. Namibia’s captain and seamer Nicolaas Buys grabbed 3-38 from his nine overs.

When Namibia batted, Buys hit a top-score of 99 not out and Gerrie Synman with 80 retired hurt. Medium-pacers Mohammad Yunus Anwar and Godwin Alfred Younis picked up two wickets each for Canada.

And on Tuesday, the action was more intense after Canada posted up a challenging 230-8 from the allotted 45-overs before Zimbabwe replied with 228-9 when the 45-overs ended.

Harmandeep Dosanjh inspired Canada with 64 while Devisetty and Gill scored 43 runs apiece to support Dosanjh. Manpreet Khaira added 26 runs as well.

Off-spinner Simon Seager bagged four wickets for 50 runs from his maximum nine overs and Bertie Eramus with 2-23 (04).

When Zimbabwe batted, former International player Gavin Rennie stroked an impressive 81-ball 78 while his captain Douglas Marillier scored 42. They shared a threatening, 78-run fifth-wicket stand after their team was struggling at 40-4.

Arch Harley chipped in with 29 not out towards the end as off-spinner Shailesh Patel took 3-20 from nine overs and leg-spinner Manpreet Khaira with 3-40 off nine overs as well. Left-arm orthodox spinner Rajesh Veetil also bowled  well to take 2-54 in his nine overs. Khaira was named player-of-the-match for his all-round display. Devisetty was chosen as the player-of-the-match in the opening encounter.

The tournament will conclude on March 1st at Newlands also in Cape Town.