Ireland’s chances of advancing to the T20 World Cup Super 8s took a massive hit as debutant Canada claimed their first victory in the tournament, winning by 12 runs in New York.
Paul Stirling’s side has now suffered two consecutive losses. After an eight-wicket defeat against India on Wednesday, where they were bowled out for 96 in 16 overs on a challenging pitch, Ireland faced another tough match. They were limited to 125-7 in their chase of Canada’s 137-7, with only Andy Balbirnie (17) and Lorcan Tucker (10) reaching double figures among the top five. George Dockrell (30 not out off 23) and Mark Adair (34 off 24) attempted a comeback from 59-6 in the 13th over with a half-century partnership, reducing the target to 17 from the final six balls.
However, Canada’s quick Jeremy Gordon (2-16) conceded only four runs in the final over and caught Adair off his own bowling, securing a second consecutive upset in the tournament following USA’s super over win against Pakistan.
Ireland’s next crucial match is against the USA in Florida on Friday, June 14, while Canada, who lost to the USA in their opener, will face Pakistan in New York on Tuesday, June 11.
Kirton and Movva Shine for Canada as Ireland Falters Again: Canada’s innings was built on a fifth-wicket partnership of 75 off 63 balls between Nicholas Kirton (49 off 35) and Shreyas Movva (37 off 36). This came after they were struggling at 53-4. The drop-in pitches at the Long Island venue, criticized for low scores in previous matches, again offered bounce and seam movement.
Ireland’s bowlers found early success with Craig Young (2-32) and Barry McCarthy (2-24) picking up wickets. However, Kirton and Movva’s partnership revived Canada’s innings. Despite Kirton’s explosive 16th over, Canada only managed 27 runs from the final four overs, with Kirton and Movva dismissed in the closing stages.
In response, Ireland struggled to score. Captain Stirling (9 off 17) was dismissed in the final powerplay over, and Balbirnie fell tamely in the seventh over. Regular wickets continued to fall, including an avoidable run out of Tucker and a spectacular catch to dismiss Curtis Campher. The late partnership between Dockrell and Adair reduced the defeat margin but wasn’t enough to secure a win.
What’s Next? The T20 World Cup continues with four matches on Saturday: New Zealand vs Afghanistan in Guyana, Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh in Grand Prairie, Netherlands vs South Africa on Long Island, and England vs Australia in Barbados.
Credit: Sky Sports
