The Canadian U19 squad are in Ireland, attempting to qualify for next year’s World Cup. They took on Scotland in their opening fixture and made an excellent start, posting 212/3 from 35 overs, thanks to a superb century from 17 year-old Nitesh Kumar. The match came to an exciting conclusion as 6 wickets fell in the last 5 overs to leave canada the winners by just 6 runs.
The start was delayed due to a wet outfield with no play until after lunch, with the overs reduced to 35/ side. Canada made a good start, with Kumar and Shah putting on 50 for the first wicket. Kumar led the way, smashing a straight six to bring up his half-century in 51 balls, and Edghill provided good support as Canada’s hundred came up in the 22nd over. Edghill contributed 36 to a 78 run partnership, skying a catch to mid-wicket trying to hit his second six. Kumar continued, showing a wide range of shots all round the wicket, with cuts, drives, glances, pulls and straight hits all reaching the boundary. Pathan took 19 runs from the penultimate over taking Canada to 200, and his unbeaten 44 took just 24 balls. Kumar reached a superb century in the last over, taking just 93 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes.
Jobanjot Singh’s medium pace made an early breakthrough when Scotland batted, earning an lbw decision against Page. He then bowled McLean as Scotland fell to 26/2 in the 5th over. The Scottish middle order staged a recovery, and after 30 overs they needed just 38 off the last five overs with 6 wickets left. The run out of Ross (43) however resulted in a collapse, with the critical wicket of Bailwal (63) falling to Juvarajan, and Canada bowled out the Scots in the final over to win by 6 runs.
Canada take on Kenya tomorrow.