Canada vs Nepal, In a crucial ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match, Canada secured a dominant 103-run victory over Nepal at the Maple Leaf North-West Ground in King City, Canada, on September 16, 2024. This defeat adds to Nepal’s woes in the series, further complicating their journey toward the ODI World Cup Qualifier.
Match Overview
Nepal, led by captain Rohit Paudel, won the toss and elected to field first, hoping to make early inroads against the Canadian lineup. The match marked the beginning of the tri-series, which also includes Oman. This series is part of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, where the top four teams earn a spot in the ODI World Cup Qualifier, a crucial gateway to the ODI World Cup. Currently, Nepal sits seventh in the standings with only one win out of five games, while Canada holds third place with four wins from eight matches.
Canada’s Innings
Batting first, Canada managed to post a competitive total of 254 runs. The innings was anchored by solid contributions from their middle-order batsmen. Skipper Nicholas Kirton and Harsh Thaker played key roles, steadying the innings after early setbacks. Nepal’s bowlers, led by Sandeep Lamichhane and Sompal Kami, managed to pick up important wickets but couldn’t stop Canada from setting a challenging target.
In response, Nepal’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with spinners like Lamichhane keeping things tight in the middle overs. However, Canada’s lower order, particularly Dillon Heyliger and Saad Bin Zafar, provided some crucial late runs, helping their team reach 254.
Nepal’s Struggle in the Chase
Chasing a target of 254, Nepal never seemed to get going. Their top-order batsmen struggled against Canada’s bowling attack, with players like Aaron Johnson and Kaleem Sana putting in impactful performances with the ball. The early dismissals of Nepal’s key batsmen, including Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee, set the tone for the rest of the innings.
Nepal’s middle-order tried to stabilize the innings, but a lack of partnerships and increasing scoreboard pressure made it difficult. Skipper Rohit Paudel and Sompal Kami offered brief resistance, but it wasn’t enough to change the course of the game. In the end, Nepal was bowled out for just 150 runs, handing Canada a comfortable 103-run win.
Key Performers
- Canada’s Key Performers: Captain Nicholas Kirton played a pivotal role with both bat and leadership, ensuring his team posted a defendable total. Dillon Heyliger and Saad Bin Zafar were instrumental in adding crucial runs towards the end of Canada’s innings.
- Nepal’s Bowling Attack: Sandeep Lamichhane, Nepal’s star leg-spinner, once again showcased his talent by picking up important wickets and bowling economical overs. Sompal Kami also made valuable contributions with both bat and ball, though it wasn’t enough to help his team.
What’s Next for Nepal?
With this loss, Nepal’s path to the ODI World Cup Qualifier becomes even more challenging. They are currently placed seventh on the points table, with only one win in five matches. The road ahead in the tri-series remains tough, with matches against both Canada and Oman lined up.
For Nepal to stay in contention for the World Cup Qualifier, they will need significant improvements in both their batting and bowling departments. Key players like Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, and Dipendra Singh Airee need to step up and perform consistently if they want to turn their campaign around.
Canada’s Strong Position
On the other hand, this victory solidifies Canada’s position in the league. Currently sitting third, they continue to remain in the hunt for a spot in the ODI World Cup Qualifier. The Canadian team, with a mix of experienced and young players, will look to maintain their winning momentum as they progress through the tri-series.
Match Summary
- Date: September 16, 2024
- Venue: Maple Leaf North-West Ground, King City, Canada
- Result: Canada beat Nepal by 103 runs
- Canada: 254/10 in 50 overs (Nicholas Kirton 45, Harsh Thaker 42, Sandeep Lamichhane 3/45, Sompal Kami 2/47)
- Nepal: 150/10 in 40.4 overs (Rohit Paudel 36, Sompal Kami 29, Aaron Johnson 3/35, Kaleem Sana 2/28)
Canada’s all-around performance and Nepal’s faltering top order made the difference in this one-sided encounter. As the tri-series continues, both teams will look to fine-tune their strategies, with the stakes for World Cup qualification higher than ever.