Canada have qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 for the first time, beating Bermuda by 39 runs in the Americas regional final.
Canada had to win their second match of the tournament against Bermuda after losing their first match by 86 runs. They won the toss and elected to bat, making 132/4 from their 18 overs, thanks to Navneet Dhaliwal’s 38-ball 45.
Bermuda’s chase got off to a good start, but they lost key wickets in quick succession and were unable to recover. Nikhil Dutta’s off-spin claimed the wickets of Kamau Leverock (23) and Delray Rawlins (1) in the same over, and Terryn Fray (30) was also dismissed soon after. Kaleem Sana and Jeremy Gordon returned to clean up the tail, taking three wickets each.
Canada’s qualification for the T20 World Cup is a historic moment for the nation. They have previously qualified for the 50-over Cricket World Cup in 1979, 2003, 2007 and 2011, but this is their first appearance at the T20 World Cup.
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.
The T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States and the West Indies in 2024. Canada will be hoping to make a big impact in their first appearance at the tournament.
