BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) — Devon Thomas passed fifty for the fourth time this season en route to 300 runs for the tournament as Group A hosts Leeward Islands Hurricanes continued their battle for a semi-final spot with a 49-run win over Canada here Thursday.

Playing at Warner Park, Hurricanes made the victory harder than it should have been, producing a stuttering batting performance to finish on 232 for nine off their 50 overs.

Thomas, who turned 30 on November 12, top-scored with a busy 53 from 51 balls to take his tally for the campaign to 325 runs at an average of 65.

Opener Montcin Hodge got 34 and number eight Colin Archibald, a robust unbeaten 32 in only his second game at this level.

They were cruising at 66 for one in the 19th over behind a 43-run stand between Hodge and left-hander Amir Jangoo who struck 26 from 47 balls.

However, three wickets went down for 20 runs in the space of 26 balls to leave Hurricanes in a spot of bother but Thomas came to their rescue.

He punched four fours but more importantly stitched up the innings in a 51-run fifth-wicket stand with Akeem Saunders (24), and then with Terrance Ward (25) in a 41-run sixth-wicket partnership.

When Thomas perished in the 42nd over, Archibald belted a brace of fours and sixes in a 27-ball cameo to add runs at the end.

Right-arm seamer Rayyan Pathan led the Canada attack with four for 53, while left-arm spinner Shahid Ahmadzai claimed three for 46.

In reply, Canada got a top score of 44 from Pathan at the top of the order while Harsh Thaker struck 40, but Archibald returned to grab three for 36 with his left-arm pace and new-ball seamer Quinton Boatswain, three for 37, to keep Hurricanes on top.