In a remarkable upset, Canada clinched their maiden victory by stunning Ireland by 12 runs on Friday (June 7). The significance of this triumph reverberated as Canada, ranked 23rd in the International Cricket Council (ICC), overcame Ireland, boasting a higher ranking at 11th.ICC T20 World Cup 2024 | Canada defeats Ireland by 12 runs in a group A match at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York(Pic - ICC) pic.twitter.com/At1SJ2nWhS— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2024Canada opted to bat first Opting to bat first, Canada faced initial struggles in accumulating runs, but Nicholas Kirtons composed innings propelled them to a total of 137 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Kirtons resilient knock of 49 runs off 35 balls, supported by wicketkeeper Shreyas Movvas 37 runs off 36 deliveries, steered the team past the 100-run mark for the first time in the tournament at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. In response, Ireland managed 125 runs for the loss of seven wickets, falling short by 12 runs as Canada clinched victory.The climax unfolded in the final over, with Canada requiring 17 runs for victory. However, they fell short of the target. Despite a valiant partnership of 62 runs between George Dockrell (30 not out) and Mark Adair (34 off 24 balls), Irelands quest for victory remained unfulfilled. Jeremy Gordon (2/16) and Dillon Heiliger (2/18) delivered stellar bowling performances, thwarting the higher-ranked Irish teams aspirations.Ireland decision to bowl first reaped early rewardsIrelands decision to bowl first proved judicious as they reaped early rewards, restricting Canada to 53 runs for four wickets by the ninth over. Fast bowler Craig Young (2/32) made significant breakthroughs by dismissing Aaron Johnson (14) and Pargat Singh (18), while Mark Adair accounted for the dismissal of Navneet Dhaliwal (6), who had previously notched a half-century against the USA. In the powerplay, Dilpreet Bajwas (7) dismissal by leg spinner Gareth Delany compounded Canadas woes, leaving them reeling at 37 runs for the loss of two wickets. The innings witnessed an early setback as Dhaliwals aggressive intent faltered, resulting in his dismissal in the third over.Subsequently, Aaron Johnson showcased promise with two boundaries against Josh Little, only to be caught at fine leg. Pargat Singhs departure further dented Canadas progress, with Delaneys brilliant catch accounting for Dilpreet Bajwas dismissal on his debut ball. Kirton and Movvas resilient partnership steered Canada to a competitive total.Ireland lost three consecutive wicketsIrelands batting faltered as they succumbed to consistent pressure, losing wickets at crucial junctures. Jeremy Gordons pivotal breakthrough dismissed captain Paul Stirling (9), followed by Andrew Balbirnies (17) departure to leg spinner Junaid Siddiqui. Canadian captain Saad Bin Zafars dismissal of Harry Tector for 7 compounded Irelands woes, reducing them to 41 for three by the eighth over.Irelands fortunes further dwindled as they lost three consecutive wickets, with Lorcan Tucker (10) falling victim to a run-out, while Curtis Campher (4) and Gareth Delaney (3) succumbed to Dillon Helligers bowling prowess, leaving Ireland reeling at 59 for six by the 13th over.The Nassau County International Cricket Stadiums pitch remained a focal point, having witnessed uneven bounce and unusual movement in prior matches. However, evident improvements were noted in the pitchs condition during the Canada-Ireland clash, attributed to meticulous ground preparation, including grass cutting and pitch rolling. Despite sporadic instances of extra bounce, the overall pitch conditions were markedly better than previous encounters.
