Bermuda, Canada expected to tussle for final T20 World Cup spot

HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC):

HOSTS BERMUDA and Canada are expected to battle for the last Americas spot up for grabs when the men’s ICC T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier bowls off on Saturday.

While the September 30 to October 7 tournament will also feature Cayman Islands and Panama, the showdown is expected to be between Bermuda and Canada based on the quality of lineups and experience.

Bermuda will be led by Sussex star, batting all-rounder Delray Rawlins, and will include the likes of all-rounder Kamau Leverock, who shone in the Sub-regional Qualifier in Argentina back in March.

Canada, meanwhile, will lean on the likes of Barbados and former West Indies Under-19 batsman Nicholas Kirton, all-rounder Harsh Thaker and Jamaica-born batsman Aaron Johnson.

“Bermuda is delighted to have the opportunity to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier in the island,” said Bermuda Cricket Board chief executive, Calvin Blankendal.

“We are excited to host our first ICC tournament since 2019. We are certain that the event will be second to none, with passion and love for the game that you won’t find easily anywhere else.

“We also believe it is a great opportunity for us to get back to the biggest stage as we aim to participate in the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024.”

The T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by West Indies and the United States from June 4-30 next year, and will see the largest complement of teams yet with 20.

Bermuda last reached a global ICC tournament when they qualified for the 2007 50-over World Cup, also staged in the Caribbean, while Canada have been more successful, already turning out in a handful of World Cups.

The two teams will raise the curtain on the tournament on Saturday when they clash at White Hill Field.

“It is exciting to have the regional final that will determine the region’s last spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024,” said Fara Gorsi, the ICC Regional Development Manager for the Americas.

“This is obviously a special World Cup for us in the Americas, as it will be hosted in our region jointly by the USA and the West Indies.”

The qualifier will be played under a double round-robin format.