Canada complete comeback to book spot at T20 World Cup 2024
Having rectified their net run rate after their shock 86-run defeat to Bermuda to begin the tournament, Saad Bin Zafar's side only had to beat the hosts in their second meeting of the tournament, on the final day.
🇨🇦 Team Canada has booked a ticket for the @icc T20 World Cup for the 1st time!
— Cricket Canada (@canadiancricket) October 7, 2023
Be Proud Canadians, Be very Proud 🥹
Canada def Bermuda by 39 runs.#icc #cricketcanada #canvsber #t20worldcup pic.twitter.com/i4cnNXWy8s
While the storm forced the abandonment of morning action on Saturday, the outfield dried for the deciding match, albeit reduced to 18 overs a side.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Canada made 132/4 from their allotment thanks to Navneet Dhaliwal's 38-ball 45, before Nikhil Dutta's off-spin claimed the key wickets of Kamau Leverock (23) and Delray Rawlins (1) in the same over of Bermuda's chase.
From 52/1 to 55/3 after the double strike, the Bermudians were unable to rebuild, also losing Terryn Fray (30) soon after to Saad's left-arm orthodox.
New-ball bowler Kaleem Sana returned to clean up the tail, taking 3/4 in 3.5 overs alongside fellow quick Jeremy Gordon who ended with 3/6 (2).
It will be Canada's first appearance at the Men's T20 World Cup, though the nation has global tournament experience via the 50-over Cricket World Cup, first appearing in 1979 before qualifying for the 2003, 2007 and 2011 events.
A total of six teams competed in the Americas qualifying for the T20 World Cup, with Argentina and Bahamas participating in sub-regional action in February this year.
Having progressed from the sub-regionals, Cayman Islands and Panama finished third and fourth respectively in the regional final.
As co-hosts of next year's event, USA were automatic qualifiers for the tournament and will host matches in three locations at the event.