The Canadian women’s team put in an improved performance but still were outplayed by the USA as they were eliminated 2 games to 0 in the ICC T20 Americas qualifier. They restricted the USA to 113, but were bowled out for 76 in reply.

Canada fielded after winning the toss and made a decent start, with Saniyah Zia making the breakthrough, having yesterday’s top-scorer leg before- perhaps a generous decision – in the third over. The fifty came up in the 9th over, with Canada contributing 10 wides to the total. Hala Azmat and Mirchandani bowled the middle overs both with generously flighted spin, but proved unpenetrative. The breakthrough came via a run out, a good throw from Martin running out Chandhrasekar going for a second run- 83/2 after 14.1 overs. Another run out accounted for Sriharsha who went looking for a single that her partner had no interest in. Mahewish Khan bowled an excellent 19th over, taking 2 wickets both bowled, and conceding only 11 runs from her 4 overs. Another wicket fell in the final over, and Canada had to make 114 to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Canada made a positive start but lost their first wicket when Patel was leg before in the fourth over. Khokhar was run out for a duck and Canada were in trouble at 15/2. Perera made 12 before she was caught- 32/3. Wickets fell steadily, and Canada were 53/6 in the 12th over. Martin swung hard at every ball and made 20 before she was caught – 70/7. Iftikhar took her 4th wicket (for 19) with her gentle spin, and Canada were 8 down. Two run outs – poor running combined with tidy fielding for the US ended the innings, and Canada’s hopes.

The comprehensive loss, combined with the recent failures of the men’s team, raises serious questions about Cricket Canada’s elite programme – it has clearly fallen behind the USA, and there is much work to do going forward.
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