By Dwayne Ferreira
In a thrilling encounter, Canada pulled off a remarkable upset by defeating Ireland by 12 runs in the T20 World Cup, marking their first-ever victory against a Full Member nation in this format. The match showcased the depth and talent of Associate teams, highlighting the significance of their inclusion in global tournaments.
Opting to bat first, Canada found themselves in early trouble at 54 for 4. However, Nicholas Kirton and Shreyas Movva turned the tide with a crucial partnership, steering Canada to a competitive total of 137 for 7. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first time in five innings that a team had crossed the 100-run mark in New York during this World Cup.
Canada’s bowlers then displayed remarkable discipline and skill to restrict Ireland’s batting lineup. Despite a valiant 62-run stand for the seventh wicket, Ireland fell short, bowled out for 125. Jeremy Gordon and Dilon Heyliger were instrumental in Canada’s victory, holding their nerve in the final overs to secure a historic win.
For Ireland, it was a disappointing performance, with their batting struggling to cope with Canada’s bowling attack. Despite a strong start with the ball, Ireland failed to capitalize, allowing Canada to build a defendable total. The loss is a setback for Ireland, who now find themselves in a challenging position early in the tournament.
Canada’s triumph underscores the competitive spirit and potential of Associate teams, proving that they can compete with and defeat higher-ranked teams on the global stage. This victory will serve as a major confidence booster for Canada, setting the tone for their campaign in the T20 World Cup.
Chief Score :-
Canada – 137 for 7 in 20 overs (Nicholas Kirton 49, Shreya Movva 37, Pargat Singh 18, Barry McCarthy 2 for 24, Craig Young 2 for 32)
Ireland – 125 for 7 in 20 overs (Mark Adair 34, George Dockrell 30*, Andre Balbirnie 17, Jeremy Gordon 2 for 16, Dillon Heyliger 2 for 18)
Player of the Match – Nicholas Kirton
