Canada Starts Impressively At Oman Qualifier!

Canada got off to an impressive start in their February 18 opening Group A games of the ICC Men’s T20
World Cup Qualifier A easily defeating the Philippines by 118 runs. Canada’s Matthew Spoors stroked a 66-
ball century (108 not out) and shared a 149-run opening wicket stand with Rayyan Pathan, who hit a 44-ball 73, to lead their side to an imposing 216 runs for the loss of one wicket.

Captain Navneet Dhaliwal stayed unbeaten on an 11-ball 26 that was studded with three maximums as they challenged Philippines who are making their debut at the global qualifiers. Chasing a huge total, Philippines could only score 98 for five to give Canada a huge 118-run win and a boost to their net run-rate (NRR).

On Oman Academy 2 ground, it was sensational Matthew Spoors who hogged the limelight with his maiden unbeaten century which was studded with 14 hits to the boundary and three maximums against the Philippines.
Put in to bat first, Canadian openers – Spoors and Rayyan Pathan raced to 149 in 15.1 overs up until Pathan was caught off Huzaifa Mohammed.

Chasing a total of 217 to win was never going to be easy and Philippines managed to bat through the
20 overs for a 98 for the loss of five wickets. Daniel Smith top-scored with 35 and Kapil Kumar
made 23. Saad bin Zafar and Kaleem Sana claimed two wickets apiece in their convincing win.

After the win, Matthew Spoors, who was named the Player of the Match and said:
“Rayyan and I knew our roles well. We had a few practice games here and we have bonded well and that has worked well.”

Spoors, who set a new national record
for Canada as the top T20I scorer, added,
“I am happy. It was a good win, and we hope to continue the form in the upcoming games.”

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