Canada have sealed their qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The hosts of the Americas Qualifiers confirmed their place at the tournament after securing a win against the Bahamas, their fifth consecutive victory in the ongoing campaign from as many outings.
Kaleem Sana and Shivam Sharma picked up three wickets apiece as Canada bundled out Bahamas for just 57. The chase was wrapped up in just 5.3 overs, with Dilpreet Bajwa smashing an unbeaten 36 off 14 balls to seal a dominant win and qualification.
Having featured at last year’s Men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean, Canada arrived into the qualifiers as one of the favourites to progress through.
The Nicholas Kirton-led side kickstarted their campaign with a comprehensive win against Bermuda by 110 runs. The result was followed by a 59-run win against Cayman Islands and a 10-wicket trumping of Bahamas in the first round of games between the teams.
In their second outing against Cayman Islands – a contest cut short to five-overs-a-side – Canada registered another comfortable win after putting together 82 runs on the board, and eventually seizing the game by 42 runs.
Canada joined the list of 10 teams already qualified for the 20-team event, alongside co-hosts India and Sri Lanka. The other qualified sides include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, United States, West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand and Pakistan.
Seven more teams – two from Europe Qualifier (to be played from July 5–11), two from Africa Qualifier (to be played from September 18 to October 4) and three from Asia–EAP Qualifier (to be played from October 1-17) – will join the Men's T20 World Cup through the Regional Qualifiers.
Darpan spoke to the President of Cricket Canada, Amjad Bajwa after Canada sealed their qualification for the World Cup.
Elated at Canada qualifying for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Amjad Bajwa said, “ This marks a second historic opportunity for the nation's cricket journey and this will put Canada on the world cricketing map. Canadian players and cricket culture will gain exposure through international broadcasting and coverage which most likely will lead to sponsorships. We can also expect more pitches, stadium upgrades, and training centers across provinces.”
Speaking about ICC Men’s T20 World Cup paving way for Canadian youth, Bajwa said, “This opportunity will lead to better systems for scouting, training, and nurturing of the young talent and young Canadians from cricketing backgrounds (e.g., South Asian, Caribbean, etc.) will see a path for national representation. Cricket could see new integration in school curricula and college leagues.
“Qualifying for the World Cup may also result in us co-hosting tournaments and attract international fixtures, especially in North America,” added Bajwa.
Picture Courtesy: Instagram/officialcricketcanada