GT20 Canada: Surrey Jaguars get into winning mode

Bright Sun and exciting cricket returned to the CAA complex in Brampton on Tuesday as Surrey Jaguars derailed Toronto Nationals for their first win of the GT20 Canada Cricket.

The win puts Surrey Jaguars at number three position behind leaders Brampton Wolves and Montreal Tigers. It was a rest day for Brampton Wolves as they have five points, including one point they got from their abandoned game on Sunday. Montreal Tigers have four points from two wins and are playing Vancouver Knights in their third game today.

Though there were threats of some rain around noon they quickly vanished as the bright Sun took control to the great relief of spectators who inspire by a working day today managed to come in for their love of cricket.

Though Toronto Nationals won the toss yet like all previous games decided to put their opponents to bat first. Led by Iftikhar Ahmad (47 of 35 balls with three sixes and as many boundaries helped Jaguars put up an impressive aggregate of 141 for 6 in 18 overs. Earlier because of moisture in the outfield, the game was reduced to 18 overs a side.

Besides Iftikhar, opener Jatinderpal Matharu (21 of 13 balls with three boundaries), Lex Hales (16), Lutron Das (21) and Mathew  Forde (19) contributing their share as Jaguars ending at 14/ for 6 with Iftikhar’s last man to leave. Sad Bin Jagat, who leads Canada, was the most successful Toronto Nationals bowler with two for 14.

Good knocks by Colin Munro 43 off 27 balls with six boundaries and a six and Jj Smit 23 off 15 balls with three boundaries and a six were not enough as Toronto ended at 121 for nine. Mathew Forde turned up an excellent all-round performance by capturing four wickets for 29 while Sandeep finished with two for 22. Former Pakistan star Shahid Afridi hit two sixes in his 21-ball innings of 23 while Arnab Kapoor made 19 for Toronto Nationals.

Prabhjot Singh