GT20 Canada: Brampton Wolves have a point to prove

When Brampton Wolves take on Mississauga Panthers in their return match in GT20 Canada at TD cricket ground on Sunday, it has a point to prove.

Wolves have to reiterate that their win in the first rain-marred encounter was no fluke. Brampton Wolves had won by 44 runs in a game that was reduced to nine overs a side. Wolves were 99/1 after 9 overs while chasing a target of 122 in 20 overs. Though the Wolves got the full two points from that game, a lot has progressed in the GT20 Canada since then.

After suffering a stunning nine-wicket defeat at the hands of Vancouver Knights, the Wolves have to reassert their supremacy in the six-team prestigious contest. After a rain-marred Saturday, the Wolves are sitting at the number two position with seven points from five games. Their opponents, Mississauga Panthers, in spite of stars like Chris Gayle and Shoaib Malik, are yet to lodge their first point even after five games. The Panthers are expected to put up their best on Sunday to break the losing streak. Wolves on the other hand would go all out to reassert their supremacy by moving to number one position.

A lot will depend upon the toss and state of the wicket as well as the outfield. The agony of the previous game still is fresh in the minds of the top batting order of the Wolves that succumbed to uneven bounce of the pitch to slump to 37 for 5. They have to put the nightmare of their game against Vancouver Knights to be back on winning way. Montreal Tigers are a major opponent who is threatening to stay out at the number one position. Wolves have to improve their NER also to keep Montreal Tigers under check.

Tomorrow being Sunday, a good turnout will be a great morale booster not only for Wolves but also for the game of cricket that has returned to the projected future cricket capital of Canada  – Brampton – after a hiatus of three years.

Prabhjot Singh