Canada's Unexpected Cricket Legends

Canada's Unexpected Cricket Legends - John Davison, Saad Bin Zafar, Ashish Bagai, Rizwan Cheema, Nitish Kumar

We tend to associate cricket with the sun-drenched pitches of England, India, and Australia. But, it turns out, it is also alive and kicking in the vast snowy landscapes of Canada! In a country that’s better known for its ice hockey, this might come as a bit of a surprise. However, it is home to a group of seriously talented cricketers. So let’s take a look at some of them! 

John Davison: The Explosive All-Rounder

John Davison is one of the most celebrated names in Canadian cricket - yes, he’s Canadian. He was born in Canada, though raised in Australia (which maybe explains the cricketing prowess - is it something in the water?!) Either way, he made his debut for the Canadian national team in 2003 and quickly made headlines with his explosive batting. During the World Cup of that year, he scored the fastest World Cup century off just 67 balls. His record has since been broken, but what a first year! This performance arguably was what put Canada on the map. Though he’s retired now, his contributions to Canadian cricket have been pivotal, inspiring a generation of cricketers in the country. Let’s have a look at one of those next.

Saad Bin Zafar: The Rising Spin Star

One of the current generations of cricketers that John Davison may well have inspired is Saad Bin Zafar. He’s a left-arm orthodox spinner and currently shines as a key player for the Canadian cricket team. Those who regularly bet on sports in Canada will know what he’s done for the national cricket team’s odds alone! Nowadays, the team is a formidable force and that means shorter odds, especially with Saad Bin Zafar in the lineup. Though Saad was born in Pakistan, he honed his cricketing skills in Canada. He has emerged as a truly amazing force in the bowling department!

He’s economical but cutting when he needs to be. This deadly combo has made him instrumental in several of Canada's recent successes. Back in 2018 at the Global T20 Canada tournament, he delivered a match-winning spell for the Vancouver Knights, taking 2 wickets - wait for it - for just 26 runs! His consistency makes him one of the most powerful assets and I for one am super excited to see how he helps the Canadian national team this year. 

Ashish Bagai: The Captain Marvel

Meet Ashish Bagai, a stalwart in the Canadian cricket scene, whose leadership and batting acumen have left an indelible mark. Born in Delhi, India, Bagai moved to Canada and swiftly ascended the ranks with his rock-solid technique and unyielding determination. Imagine a skipper who can not only steer the ship but also wield the willow with authority — Bagai was just that for Canada. 

A shining example of his prowess was on display during the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup. Against Scotland, he unleashed a masterclass, remaining unbeaten with a scintillating 137 runs. His wicket-keeping skills? Razor-sharp! Bagai’s dual-threat capabilities made him an invaluable linchpin in the Canadian team’s lineup. I can’t wait to see the legacy he inspires in Canadian cricket.

Rizwan Cheema: The Power Hitter

Rizwan Cheema is a name that sends a shiver down the spine of bowlers everywhere — he’s the man who can turn a game on its head with just a few swings of the bat. Rizwan was born in Pakistan but became the terrifying batsman that he is in Canada. You won’t be surprised to know that Rizwan quickly made his mark with the national team - as soon as he debuted in 2008, in fact. 

He’s a batsman who doesn’t just score runs; he scores them fast. One stand-out moment was in a T20 clash against the Sri Lankan team. Rizwan went, would it be fair to say, ballistic? He smashed 68 off a mere 43 deliveries, with six of those sailing over the boundary ropes! His spectacular explosive style has earned him the adoration of fans - and the grudging respect of opponents. He is a true spectacle on the field. Rizwan’s inimitable charisma and flair are what keep fans on the edge of their seats, waiting for the next big hit!

Nitish Kumar: The Young Prodigy

Nitish Kumar is the name on everyone’s lips when talking about the next wave of Canadian cricket stars. Born in 1994 in Scarborough, Ontario, Kumar took to cricket like a duck to water. At just 15 years old, he stepped onto the international stage, one of the youngest to ever do so. That means he’s a clear rival for many of today’s other young stars, like Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk.

And since then? He’s been nothing short of a revelation. With a bat in hand, Kumar is a picture of technical perfection and, when needed, he can roll his arm over as a handy off-spinner. His calm demeanour at the crease has often been the anchor that keeps Canada steady in the storm.