T20I Tri-series 2024: Saad Bin Zafar shines as Canada pip Netherlands in a thriller

Canada secured a hard-fought victory over the Netherlands, winning by 8 runs in a tense fourth T20I of the Netherlands T20I Tri-Series 2024 at Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd. Despite setting a modest target of 133, Canada’s disciplined bowling and timely breakthroughs helped them hold off the Netherlands, who fell short in their chase.

Canada’s innings: A recovery after a rocky start

Canada’s innings got off to a nightmare start as openers Aaron Johnson and Rayyan Pathan were both dismissed for ducks in the first over. Netherlands’ bowlers dominated the early exchanges, reducing Canada to 23/4 at one stage. Nicholas Kirton (13) and Harsh Thaker (10) attempted to stabilize the innings but couldn’t build on their starts.

Shreyas Movva, with a gritty 33 off 26 balls, helped Canada recover, but the real impetus came from Saad Bin Zafar‘s patient 33 off 36 balls lower down the order. Late cameos from Dillon Heyliger (12 off 5) and Kaleem Sana (9 off 4) helped Canada reach a fighting total of 132/9 in their 20 overs. Kyle Klein (3/22) and Paul van Meekeren (3/29) were the standout performers for the Netherlands with the ball, while Daniel Doram’s miserly spell of 2/13 kept Canada under pressure throughout.

Netherlands’ innings: A spirited chase falls just short

In response, the Netherlands struggled to get going in their chase of 133. Max O’Dowd was dismissed for a duck, and captain Scott Edwards followed soon after, leaving the hosts reeling at 23/3. Vikramjit Singh (22 off 19) and Michael Levitt (13 off 20) offered some resistance, but they failed to convert their starts into match-winning contributions.

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Noah Croes fought valiantly with a composed 32 off 28 balls, but Canada’s bowlers, led by Saad Zafar (1/15) and Parveen Kumar Dhull (2/10), consistently took wickets at crucial moments. Klein’s 22 off 22 balls kept the Netherlands in the hunt, but once he was dismissed, their hopes faded. Despite a late flurry from Brandon Glover (4 off 1), the Netherlands finished at 124/8, falling short by 8 runs.

Saad Bin Zafar shines as Player of the Match

Saad Zafar was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance. His crucial 33 runs with the bat and his economical bowling (1/15 in 4 overs) made the difference in a closely contested match. Parveen Kumar Dhull also impressed with figures of 2/10, helping Canada secure their first win of the tri-series.

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