Canada etched their name in T20 World Cup history on June 7 in New York, securing their first-ever victory in the men's tournament. In a dramatic low-scoring thriller, they successfully defended a modest target of 138 runs, defeating Ireland by 12 runs. Chasing a target of 138 set by Canada, Ireland fell short by 12 runs, managing only 125 for 7 wickets in their 20 overs. Jeremy Gordon successfully defended 17 runs off the last over after Goerge Dockrell (30 off 23) and Mark Adair's (34 off 24) fightback.
Nicholas Kirton's explosive 35-ball 49 propelled Canada to a respectable 137-7, the highest score recorded at the New York venue in the T20 World Cup so far. This feat proved crucial in their eventual victory. Despite Kirton's knock, the dependable Barry McCarthy emerged as the pick of the Irish bowlers, claiming 2 wickets for just 24 runs.
Irish Batting Stalls
However, Ireland's batting unit struggled to gain momentum throughout their chase. A concerning period for Ireland saw them fail to score a single boundary between the 6th and 15th overs. This batting slump significantly hampered their chase. From a precarious position of 59-6 in the 13th over, an Irish victory seemed improbable. However, a valiant 62-run partnership for the sixth wicket between George Dockrell (30 not out) and Mark Adair (34) rekindled some hope. Unfortunately for Ireland, Adair's dismissal in the final over with 17 runs needed dashed their hopes. Jeremy Gordon (2-16) held his nerve and secured the victory for Canada, etching their names in history with their first-ever T20 World Cup win.
Earlier, the under-performing pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium seemed to have undergone a significant improvement, but Canada struggled to capitalize early on in their T20 World Cup match against Ireland. However, a late surge from Nicholas Kirton propelled them to a respectable total. The Barbadian-born batsman played a swashbuckling knock of 49 runs off just 35 deliveries, while wicketkeeper Shreyas Movva chipped in with a valuable 37 off 36 balls. Their partnership ensured Canada crossed the 100-run mark for the first time in the tournament, setting a new benchmark at the venue.
Prior to this match, the focus had been on the problematic pitches at the stadium, which had produced uneven bounce and excessive movement in previous games. Thankfully, the curators addressed these concerns by shaving off the grass and rolling the pitch extensively.
Despite the improved surface, Ireland initially had the upper hand. They opted to bowl first and restricted Canada to a fragile 53/4 after just nine overs. Seamer Craig Young was particularly impressive, picking up two wickets for just 32 runs. He dismissed both Aaron Johnson (14) and Pargat Singh (18), while opening bowler Mark Adair sent Navneet Dhaliwal (6) packing early on. Dhaliwal, who had scored a half-century in the tournament opener against the USA, couldn't replicate his form.
Kirton's crucial 49 helps Canada post respectable total
Leg-spinner Gareth Delany also contributed with a wicket, removing Dilpreet Bajwa (7) as Canada found themselves in deep trouble at the halfway mark, having only managed 37 runs despite losing just two wickets in the powerplay. This was still the second-best powerplay score in New York, following India's 39/1 against Ireland earlier in the week. Facing an uphill battle, Kirton and Movva provided much-needed stability for Canada. Their partnership revived the innings and allowed them to post a more competitive total. The stage is now set for an interesting contest, with Ireland needing to chase down a target of 138 for victory.
This loss puts Ireland in a precarious position. After losing their first two matches against India and Canada, Irealand must win their remaining two matches against Pakistan and USA, while also hoping for favorable results in other games, to progress further in the tournament. Canada, on the other hand, remain in contention after their first win, following an opening-match defeat to the USA.
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