Nassau County, June 11, 2024 — Canada’s cricket team, led by captain Saad Bin Zafar, is celebrating a historic victory after defeating Ireland by 12 runs in the T20 World Cup 2024. This triumph, achieved at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, marks Canada’s first-ever win in the tournament and sets the stage for their upcoming clash against Pakistan.
Key Highlights from Canada’s Victory
Canada’s competitive total of 137 for seven was powered by a stellar performance from Nicholas Kirton, who scored 49 runs off 35 balls. Shreyas Movva also made a significant contribution with a composed 37 off 36 balls. The Canadian bowlers, spearheaded by Jeremy Gordon and Dillon Heyliger, held their nerve under pressure to restrict Ireland to 125 for seven.
Ireland’s response was bolstered by a commendable 62-run partnership between George Dockrell and Mark Adair, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the disciplined Canadian bowling attack.
Captain Saad Bin Zafar’s Reflections
Captain Saad Bin Zafar expressed profound pride in his team’s achievement during the post-match presentation. “Definitely a proud moment for me and the team,” Zafar remarked. He emphasized the strategic adaptability of his team, noting their decision to include an extra spinner, which proved crucial as the wicket slowed down.
Zafar also highlighted the growing support for cricket in Canada and its potential to inspire future generations. “The cricket is growing in the country, and if it keeps going this way, hopefully, it will inspire the young generation to take up this sport,” he stated.
Looking Ahead to the Pakistan Match
Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Zafar is now focused on Canada’s next group match against Pakistan, set for June 11 in New York. He vowed to build on the momentum from their win over Ireland and deliver a strong performance against his birth country. “It’s like one game at a time. One day at a time. We want to enjoy this win and come back stronger against Pakistan,” Zafar affirmed.
Canada’s historic victory over Ireland has signaled their emergence as a formidable force in international cricket. As they gear up to face Pakistan, the Canadian team, under Zafar’s leadership, aims to continue their impressive journey in the T20 World Cup 2024.