Canada stun Ireland for first T20 World Cup win

Canada won their first-ever Twenty20 World Cup match with a stunning 12-run victory against Ireland in New York on Friday.

T20 World Cup 2024 (Image Source: Google)

But Ireland's second successive loss at the tournament, following an eight-wicket defeat by India, left them facing an early exit.

Canada themselves slumped to 53-4 on Friday after losing the toss before a key stand of 75 in 10 overs between Barbados-born left-hander Nicholas Kirton (49) and Shreyas Movva (37) helped take them to a total of 137-7.

Pitches at the specially built ground in Long Island have been criticised for their uneven bounce but Friday's strip was notably more placid.

The biggest issue for batsmen was a slow outfield that denied them full value for their shots -- still a worry ahead of Sunday's showpiece match at the venue between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.

- 'Strength to strength' -

Kirton, however, still hit 16 off one Craig Young over, a return helped by two straight sixes, before his 35-ball innings ended when he gloved Barry McCarthy to short fine leg.

"It wasn't so bad, bar the middle of the wicket, a pretty good wicket to bat on to be honest," said Kirton, the player of the match.

The 26-year-old added: "The partnership (with Movva) was very important, it got us over the line.

"It's very good to get our first win in the World Cup, hopefully we can continue from strength to strength. Out next focus is Pakistan, have a rest day tomorrow (Saturday) and get back in the nets."

For an Ireland side more used to causing shocks at International Cricket Council (ICC) events than being on the receiving end, it was a bitter reversal of fortune.

"We were off in all three facets (batting, bowling and fielding) today and that wasn't good enough," said Ireland captain Paul Stirling.

"Hopefully we can show a better game when we go to Miami next week (to play the USA)."