Canada kicked off the Nofrillsca T20I Tri-Series with a hard-fought win against Nepal in the first T20I, securing a 14-run victory in a low-scoring contest. The match saw excellent bowling performances from both sides, but it was Canada’s Kaleem Sana who made the difference, earning the Player of the Match award for his crucial four-wicket haul.
Canada’s Innings: Struggles Against Nepal’s Bowling
Canada, batting first, managed to put up a modest total of 123/8 in their 20 overs. Saad Bin Zafar top-scored with 23 runs off 18 balls, while Shreyas Movva contributed 22 off 23 deliveries. Parveen Kumar chipped in with a quickfire 19 off 13 balls toward the end of the innings. Nepal’s bowling attack was led by Sandeep Lamichhane and Sompal Kami, both of whom took 3 wickets each, restricting Canada from posting a bigger total.
Nepal’s Chase: Kaleem Sana and Saad Bin Zafar Shine
In response, Nepal struggled against Canada’s disciplined bowling. Captain Rohit Paudel played a gritty knock of 37 off 39 balls, but the rest of the Nepalese batting lineup couldn’t provide the necessary support. Kaleem Sana’s exceptional bowling (4/26 in 4 overs) changed the course of the game, including a match-defining spell at the death.
Saad Bin Zafar also delivered a stellar performance with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 13 runs in 4 overs. Parveen Kumar contributed with the ball as well, picking up 1 wicket for 16 runs in his 3 overs. A brilliant catch by Dilpreet Bajwa, combined with Kaleem Sana’s bowling, sealed the win for Canada, as Nepal was bowled out for 109 in 19 overs.
Team effort secured Canada a key tri-series win
Kaleem Sana’s all-round performance, complemented by excellent fielding and teamwork, led Canada to victory. This win gives Canada a strong start to the tri-series as they look ahead to their upcoming matches against Nepal and Oman.
