T20 World Cup 2024 Landmark Victory as Canada Stuns Ireland

Canada secures historic T20 World Cup win against Ireland in thrilling match. © Twitter (@cricwindow123)

For the second time in two days, an Associate team triumphed over a Full Member in Group A of the T20 World Cup 2024. After Pakistan’s surprising victory over the USA, Canada achieved their first-ever T20 World Cup win by defeating Ireland by 12 runs in New York.

Match Summary

Toss: Ireland won the toss and chose to field.
Stadium: New York
Result: Canada won by 12 runs.
Player of the Match: Nicholas Kirton (CAN) – 49 (35)

Canada’s Innings Early Struggles and a Strong Finish

Canada’s innings began with early setbacks as their openers struggled against Ireland’s disciplined bowling attack. Navneet Dhaliwal was the first to fall, caught at backward point off Mark Adair’s delivery. Craig Young then dismissed Aaron Johnson, caught at deep backward square leg, leaving Canada at 37 for two after the powerplay.

Post-powerplay, Young struck again, sending Pargat Singh back to the pavilion, followed by Gareth Delany’s dismissal of Dilpreet Bajwa, reducing Canada to 53 for 4.

Nicholas Kirton and Shreyas Movva’s Crucial Partnership

Amidst the early chaos, Nicholas Kirton and Shreyas Movva held their ground. Kirton, showcasing his Caribbean flair, hit crucial boundaries, including two sixes and a four off Young in the 16th over. Kirton’s 49 off 35 balls and Movva’s steady 37 off 36 balls added 75 runs for the fifth wicket, lifting Canada to a competitive absolute of 137 for 7 of every 20 overs.

Ireland’s Bowling Highlights

• Craig Young: 2/32 in 4 overs
• Barry McCarthy: 2/24 in 4 overs
• Mark Adair: 1/23 in 4 overs
• Gareth Delany: 1/27 in 4 overs

Ireland’s Chase A Struggle from Start to Finish

Chasing 138 on a tricky New York pitch, Ireland’s innings never gained momentum. Jeremy Gordon and Dilon Heyliger led Canada’s bowling attack with precision and control. Kaleem Sana struggled initially, but Gordon’s disciplined lengths kept Ireland in check.

Powerplay Pressure

Ireland managed just two boundaries in the powerplay, both from edges rather than clean hits. Paul Stirling’s top-edged attempt resulted in his dismissal for nine off 17 balls, caught comfortably by the wicketkeeper.

Middle Overs Collapse

Ireland’s middle order crumbled under the relentless pressure from Canada’s bowlers. Saad Bin Zafar and Junaid Siddiqui attacked the stumps consistently, forcing mistakes from the Irish batters. Andy Balbirnie’s dismissal, caught and bowled by Siddiqui, was followed by Saad’s breakthrough delivery that bowled Harry Tector. Curtis Campher’s departure, courtesy of Heyliger and a brilliant catch by Aaron Johnson, left Ireland reeling at 59 for 6 in the 13th over.

Jeremy Gordon and Dillon Heyliger’s Bowling Masterclass

• Jeremy Gordon: 2/16 in 4 overs
• Dilon Heyliger: 2/18 in 4 overs

Adair and Dockrell’s Resistance

Despite the top-order collapse, Mark Adair and George Dockrell fought back, putting on a 62-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Adair’s 34 off 24 balls and Dockrell’s 30 off 23 balls gave Ireland a glimmer of hope. However, with 64 runs needed off the last 30 balls, the task proved too daunting.

Final Over Drama

Ireland needed 16 runs off the final over bowled by Gordon. Despite their efforts, Adair and Dockrell couldn’t find the necessary boundaries. Gordon’s hard-length deliveries and strategic bowling ensured Ireland could only manage 125 for 7, handing Canada a historic 12-run victory.

Key Take A Ways A Historic Win for Canada

• Nicholas Kirton’s Form: Kirton’s consistent performance has been crucial for Canada, highlighted by his 49 runs in this match.
• Bowling Brilliance: Canada’s bowlers, especially Gordon and Heyliger, executed their plans perfectly on a challenging pitch.
• Fielding Excellence: Canada’s sharp fielding, including Johnson’s diving catch, contributed significantly to their victory.

This win marks a significant milestone for Canada in T20 internationals, boosting their confidence as they continue their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024. The team’s cohesive performance and strategic gameplay underscore their potential to compete at the highest level.