CAN vs IRE, T20 World Cup: Canada beat Ireland by 12 runs in New York

Asked to bat first, Canada struggled to force the pace until Barbadian-born Nicholas Kirton threw caution to the wind and lifted them to a fighting 137 for seven. Kirton blazed away to a 35-ball 49 and wicketkeeper Shreyas Movva chipped in with 37 in 36 deliveries as the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium saw 100 being crossed for the first time in the tournament.

In reply, Ireland too went past the three-figure mark but fell short of the 138-run target set by Canada, ending at 125 for seven. George Dockrell (30 not out) and Mark Adair (34 off 24 balls) revived Ireland’s prospects with their excellent partnership of 62 runs, but they couldn’t see their team through.

Canada punched above their weight to shock fancied Ireland by 12 runs and record their first win in the T20 World Cup on a pitch that played much better and where the batters weren’t getting hit on Friday.

The game is officially out of hand for Ireland. IRE needs 14 runs in 1 ball.

Dockrell and Adair held the fort in the middle and finally tried to stop the fall of wickets. Since it’s a low-scoring match a couple of single overs can change the course for Ireland.

Ireland needs 31 runs in 14 balls.

Ireland needs 64 from 30 balls.

Ireland needs 69 off 36. Looks to be an uphill task considering the wickets that remain.

Delany departs for 3 off 7. Canada have bowled really well to get ahead of the game.

Ireland looks to be in trouble.

Saad Bin Zafar dismissed as Ireland struggles to form partnership

Jeremy Gordon and Junaid Siddiqui get two wickets after a slow powerplay

Nicholas Kirton hit a fine 35-ball 49 to guide Canada to 137 for seven against Ireland in a T20 World Cup match on Friday. Kirton, who smashed three boundaries and two hits over the fence, was well supported by wicketkeeper Shreyas Movva (37 off 36) as the duo shared vital 75 runs for the fifth wicket to take Canada to a respectable total.

For Ireland, Craig Young (2/32) and Barry McCarthy (2/24) scalped two wickets apiece.

Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie start the batting for Ireland

Canada post 137/7 at the end of 20 overs!

Shreyas Movva has played over 25% of the deliveries faced by Canada in this innings, but his strike rate is still less than 100.

Canada have not lost a lot of wickets but disciplined bowling from the Irishmen has ensured that the former have been kept at bay.

Ireland take four wickets at the 15-over mark as Canada look to accelerate in the death overs 🙌#T20WorldCup | #CANvIRE | 📝: https://t.co/cgPIceU0TH pic.twitter.com/D5AqZO3kpB

— ICC (@ICC) June 7, 2024

Craig Young rounds off his spell with figures of 4-0-32-2.

Nicholas Kirton is providing the Canadian innings the much-needed impetus in the death.

Young has been the pick of the bowlers so far. Two wickets for 14 runs in three overs.

Barry McCarthy not having the best of days with the ball for Ireland.

Craig Young keeping the attack on from one end. Tight stuff so far.

Canada holding their fort right now but cannot get their scoring rate up.

GARETH DELANY ON THE MONEY! Terrific stuff to kick off the ninth over.

Dilpreet Bajwa from Canada has come to bat at No. 4. Need a stable partnership here.

Craig Young is displaying some fine skills with the new ball here.

Pargat Singh trying to step up the ante in the final over of the powerplay.

Canada reduced to 28/2 at the end of 5 overs. Irish pacers on top, here.

Joshua Little bowling his second over on a trot. Pargat Singh comes in to bat at No. 3.

Mark Adair strikes the first blow. Gets the better of Navneet Dhaliwal.