A brilliant all-round bowling display helped Canada edge past Ireland in another last-over thriller in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Friday. This victory marked only the second time Canada has defeated a Test-playing nation and their first win in a T20 World Cup match.
Ireland, playing in New York, succumbed to pressure once again, suffering their second consecutive loss in the tournament. After receiving much criticism, the pitch at New York was revamped and proved to be less seamer-friendly than in previous matches.
Opting to bowl first, the Irish bowlers quickly put Canada under pressure, reducing them to 53/4 before the halfway mark of their innings. None of Canada’s top four batters found their rhythm.
Nicholas Kirton and Shreyas Movva then did an excellent job of rebuilding the innings with a 75-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Kirton played the aggressor, scoring 49 off 35 balls with three fours and two sixes. Movva, though struggling with timing, managed to stay at the crease, contributing 37 off 36 balls.
Canada gained momentum around the 15th over as Kirton began to accelerate, but Ireland regained control with a flurry of wickets in the last two overs, preventing Canada from surpassing 150. The Irish bowlers were disciplined with the ball.
Ireland struggled right from the beginning, and it was disappointing batting performance.
Skipper Paul Stirling and opener Andy Balbirnie were expected to give their team a solid start but they failed to do so. Canada’s bowlers were tight during the Powerplay, allowing only one boundary. The pressure led to Stirling’s dismissal as he mistimed a pull to the ‘keeper.
Canada’s spinners further tightened the screws in the middle overs, with captain Saad bin Zafar delivering an economical spell of 1/22. The Irish batters struggled to build momentum. George Dockrell and Mark Adair managed to weather the storm, putting up a resilient 62-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
With 17 needed off the final over, Jeremy Gordon held his nerve, dismissing Adair for 34. Dockrell remained unbeaten on 30, but Ireland fell short by 12 runs.
Despite improvements in the pitch, Ireland’s batting line-up could not counter Canada’s disciplined bowling attack, highlighting the challenges they face in the tournament. This win for Canada not only boost their confidence but will also showcases their potential to compete against established cricketing nations.
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