On June 7, 2024, the cricket world witnessed an electrifying encounter as Canada secured their first victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 by defeating Ireland by 12 runs. This thrilling match took place at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, marking a significant milestone for Canadian cricket. Let’s dive deep into the highlights and key moments of this memorable game.
The day began with Ireland winning the toss and opting to bowl first, a decision influenced by the pitch conditions that seemed favorable for their bowlers. The early overs justified their choice, with Ireland’s bowlers finding good movement and carry.
Ireland’s bowlers were quick to capitalize on the pitch conditions. Navneet Dhaliwal was the first to go, caught at backward point off Mark Adair. This was followed by Craig Young sending back Aaron Johnson, caught at deep backward square leg. By the end of the powerplay, Canada had managed only 37 for 2, hitting six fours but struggling with strike rotation.
Canada’s middle order faced a challenging task. Young continued his impressive spell, removing Pargat Singh right after the powerplay. Delany then had Dilpreet Bajwa caught and bowled, leaving Canada at a precarious 53 for 4 after 8.1 overs.
Nicholas Kirton, in excellent T20I form, came to the rescue alongside Shreyas Movva. Kirton, who had scored fifties against Nepal and the USA in previous matches, brought his A-game to New York. The Barbados-born player displayed a distinct Caribbean flair, taking on Craig Young with two sixes and a four in the 16th over.
Kirton and Movva steadied the innings, adding 75 runs for the fifth wicket off 63 balls. Kirton fell just one run short of a half-century, but Movva remained till the end, ensuring Canada posted a competitive total of 137 for 7. This was the highest score at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in this T20 World Cup, a significant achievement considering the challenging pitch conditions.
Chasing 138 on a tricky surface with a sluggish outfield was never going to be easy. Ireland’s innings got off to a shaky start with Kaleem Sana struggling to control the early movement. However, Jeremy Gordon found the right lengths from the start, setting the tone for the Canadian bowlers.
Ireland struggled to manage two boundaries in the powerplay. Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie found it hard to connect, with Stirling falling for a mere 9 off 17 balls, caught off a top edge. This dismissal marked the beginning of Ireland’s troubles.
Canada’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Saad Bin Zafar and Dillon Heyliger constantly targeted the stumps, leaving the Irish hitters with minimal space to work with. 33 of the 48 balls bowled by Saad and Siddiqui were on a wicket-to-wicket line.
Ireland’s middle order crumbled under pressure. Balbirnie was caught and bowled by Siddiqui, while Saad bowled Harry Tector with a straight delivery. Lorcan Tucker’s unfortunate run-out in the 10th over compounded Ireland’s woes. Heyliger then dismissed Curtis Campher with a brilliant catch by Aaron Johnson.
With the score at 59 for 6 in the 13th over, an early finish seemed likely. However, George Dockrell and Mark Adair gave Ireland a glimmer of hope. Adair hit Sana with a six after Dockrell had hit Siddiqui for a four. But Heyliger’s disciplined bowling in the 18th over, conceding only eight runs, kept Canada in control.
The final over began with Ireland needing 16 runs to win. Gordon held his nerve, delivering hard-length balls that left the Irish batsmen with no answers. Adair’s top edge and McCarthy’s desperate swings couldn’t close the gap. Dockrell’s mistimed heave to long-on off the final ball sealed Canada’s victory.
Canada – 137/7 (20.0)
Ireland – 125/7 (20.0)
Result – Canada won by 12 runs
Player of the match – Nicholas Kirton
Nicholas Kirton
Canada | Nicholas Kirton, Aaron Johnson, Dilpreet Bajwa, Shreyas Movva, Navneet Dhaliwal, Dilon Heyliger, Pargat Singh, Saad Bin Zafar (c), Junaid Siddiqui, Jeremy Gordon, Kaleem Sana |
Ireland | Barry McCarthy, Mark Adair, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Paul Stirling (c), Andy Balbirnie, Josh Little, Craig Young |
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