T20 World Cup 2024, Ireland vs Canada: Nicholas Kirton's 49 helps Canada put 137 against Ireland

The Match number 13 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, It was Ireland skipper Paul Stirling who won the toss and elected to bowl first against Canada at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York. Both Ireland and Canada will be under pressure to secure their first win and earn points in the tournament after losing their respective opening matches.

Ireland faced a comprehensive defeat against India by eight wickets earlier this week, while Canada was overpowered by a spirited USA team, losing by seven wickets in a high-scoring match in Dallas. For this upcoming contest, the groundsmen have removed additional grass from the pitch and rolled it hard to favor the batters, though some movement off the surface is still anticipated.

Also Read: How Pakistan’s Super Over loss against USA can help India in the tournament?  

Canada lost two wickets in batting powerplay 

The Irish bowlers made the most of the seam friendly condition that was on offer due to the early morning start as they picked up the wickets of both the openers in first overs itself. In the third over the match, it was Mark Adair who drew the first blood when he got the wicket of opener Navneet Dhaliwal (6). Despite that wicket Aaron Johnson (14) looked solid in the middle as he struck few boundary but was unfortunately sent back in the hut by tight bowling from Craig Young.  

Ireland collective bowling effort restrict Canada to 137/7 

It was some quality bowling from Ireland team which restricted Canada to a mere total of 137/7 in their allocated 20 overs. The pick of the bowlers for Ireland was Barry McCarthy who ended the game with a bowling figure of 2/24 in his four overs. Craig Young was also brilliant with the new ball in hand and ended his spell with a figure of 2/32. The likes of Mark Adair and Gareth Delany also ended the game with one wicket each to their name. 

Nicholas Kirton was star with bat for Canada 

At one stage things were looking gloomy for the Canada team as they were reeling at 42/3 but then it was Nicolas Kirton who took the attack to the Irish bowler with his variety of shots. Kirton has been in tremendous form off let and he delivered yet again for the team when the team needed it. The stylish left-hand batter would be disappointed as he missed out on a well-deserved half century. Kirton scored 49 runs off just 35 deliveries with three fours and two maximums. He was also well supported by wicket keeper batter Shreyas Movva who scored 37 runs with three boundaries.