Led by Navneet Dhaliwal (3/15) and Saad Zafar (3/30), Canada recorded their third win of the tournament in as many games to consolidate their position at the top of the table

Monty Desai appointed Canada head coach ahead of WCL Division 2

Led by Navneet Dhaliwal (3/15) and Saad Zafar (3/30), Canada recorded their third win of the tournament in as many games to consolidate their position at the top of the table

Desai's coaching CV boasts international teams like Afghanistan and Nepal, apart from T20 franchises like Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League.

More recently, Desai was the head coach of Andhra in the 2018-19 Indian domestic season. He was also Afghanistan's batting coach when they won the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2018 in Zimbabwe.

"Monty's expertise would be the much-needed strategic support to the senior men's team as Cricket Canada embarks on a hectic schedule this month onwards," Cricket Canada president Ranjit Saini said. "I have known Monty for many years and seen him grow as a successful coach. His willingness to support Cricket Canada is much appreciated. This is the best it can get and we are all excited."

The World Cricket League Division 2 promises to be a competitive affair with Canada set to face off with sides like Hong Kong, Namibia, Oman, Papua New Guinea, and the United States. Canada's first match in the tournament will be on 20 April against Hong Kong, and the expectation is that Desai's vast experience could give Canada an edge.

Desai was thrilled about taking charge of the national team for a crucial tournament. "There is an excitement to begin this journey, where so much is at stake as six countries will be participating in the ICC World Cricket League, Division II Tournament, in Namibia next month," he was quoted as saying by cricketcanada.org.

"It has been thrilling to spend these last few days in Sri Lanka with a combination of seasoned players with whom I have previously engaged after having gained additional experience myself.

"At the same time, the new faces to this game, are equally good, and bring their own unique value to the team. It is evident that we are working with a wide range of skills, and along with the wealth of experience brought by our captain Davy Jacobs. It is easy to be very optimistic at the onset of this journey."

Canada