GT20 Canada: Associate Nations Shine with Stellar Performances

Global T20 (GT20) Canada has become a prime stage for cricketers from Associate Member nations, showcasing impressive performances. Highlights include Scotland's George Munsey and Canada's Dilpreet Bajwa excelling in run-scoring, and UAE's Junaid Siddique and Canada's Kaleem Sana making their mark with the ball. These achievements have elevated the league's profile.

Global T20 (GT20) Canada has emerged as a prominent platform for cricketers from ICC Associate Member nations, offering local Canadian talent an opportunity to shine on North America's prominent T20 league stage. Encouraged by the presence of global cricket stars, several Associate cricketers garnered attention with their outstanding performances in GT20 Canada's recently concluded fourth edition, according to a press release from GT20.

Scotland's George Munsey dominated the tournament run charts, closely followed by Canada's Dilpreet Bajwa, the second-highest run-getter. Players from other Associate nations also made significant impacts. UAE's Junaid Siddique finished second in the wicket tally, while Romario Shepherd topped it. Munsey, representing Brampton Wolves, was the only batter to hit two fifties this season, amassing 218 runs with a strike rate of 135.40 in six innings.

Bajwa, aged 21, also surpassed 200 runs, scoring 206 at a remarkable strike rate of 145.07 in challenging conditions. Bajwa smashed the lone century of the fourth season, taking only 55 balls for his unbeaten 100 for Montreal Tigers against the David Warner-led Brampton Wolves. Bajwa and his Montreal Tigers teammate Kaleem Sana, both representing Canada at the recent T20 World Cup, shone brightly. Sana, a left-arm pacer, took nine wickets at an economy rate of 4.47, just trailing the Caribbean T20 legend Sunil Narine, who took 10 wickets. Sana also achieved a hat-trick against Toronto Nationals and subsequently took another wicket, making four strikes in five balls.

Meanwhile, Siddique began the tournament spectacularly for Toronto Nationals, claiming three wickets in four deliveries against Vancouver Knights and finishing with 14 overall. Draca, with 11 strikes, played a crucial role in Brampton Wolves' campaign, securing three significant three-wicket hauls. The impressive performances of these Canadian and other Associate nation players have elevated the league, setting a high bar for future seasons.

(With inputs from agencies.)