NEW DELHI: Newcomers Canada pulled off a stunning upset, securing a thrilling 12-run win over Ireland in their second group A game in T20 World Cup at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Friday.
The pitch conditions had significantly improved compared to previous matches, allowing for a more balanced contest between bat and ball.
Canada, batting first, initially struggled to maintain a consistent scoring rate. However, a daring 35-ball 49 from Barbados-born Nicholas Kirton and a solid 37 off 36 deliveries from wicketkeeper Shreyas Movva propelled them to a competitive total of 137 for seven. And it was the first time in the tournament that a team surpassed the 100-run mark at the venue.
In response, Ireland managed to cross the three-figure threshold but ultimately fell short of the 138-run target, finishing at 125 for seven.
Despite a valiant 62-run partnership between George Dockrell (30 not out) and Mark Adair (34 off 24 balls), Ireland couldn’t secure the victory.
The Canadian bowling duo of Jeremy Gordon (2/16) and Dillon Heyliger (2/18) played a crucial role in restricting their higher-ranked opponents.
The result comes just a day after another associate team USA stunned former champions Pakistan, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the tournament.
The pitches at the Nassau Stadium had been a topic of concern due to inconsistent bounce and excessive movement in earlier matches.
However, the curators made significant improvements by removing grass and extensively rolling the surface, resulting in a more balanced playing conditions.
Ireland’s decision to field first seemed justified as they reduced Canada to 53 for four by the start of the ninth over.
Seamer Craig Young (2/32) impressed with his early wickets, while Mark Adair and Gareth Delany also contributed to Canada’s struggles.
Canada managed only 37 runs for the loss of two wickets in the power play, the second-best score at this venue after India’s 39/1 against the Irish.
Canada’s top order faltered, with Navneet Dhaliwal (6), Aaron Johnson (14), Pargat Singh (18), and Dilpreet Bajwa (7) all departing cheaply. However, the partnership between Kirton and Movva helped Canada recover and post a challenging total.
In reply, Ireland lost skipper Paul Stirling (9) early to Jeremy Gordon, followed by the dismissals of Andrew Balbirnie (17) and Harry Tector (7).
Ireland’s situation worsened as they lost three more wickets in quick succession, with Lorcan Tucker (10) run out, and Curtis Campher (4) and Gareth Delany (3) falling to Dillon Heyliger. At 59 for six in the 13th over, Ireland appeared to be heading towards defeat.
