GT20 Canada: Rain forces cancellation of Saturday games

Rain has once again played spoilsport. It forced the organizers of the GT 20 Canada to cancel both the crucial games between Toronto Nationals and Montreal Tigers, and Vancouver Knights and Surrey Jaguars, without a ball being bowled. Rain-forced cancellations came as a big disappointment for cricket revellers.

In a communique, Jason Harper, Tournament Director, said: “ The matches between Toronto Nationals and Montreal Tigers and Vancouver Knights vs Surrey Jaguars scheduled for Saturday at TD Cricket Arena have been cancelled due to rain and poor pitch conditions. These matches will not be replayed, and  all four teams will receive one point  each in the standings.”

This is the second time in the 25-match T20 tournament that rain has affected play. Brampton Wolves and Surrey Jaguars shared points in their game on July 23. Brampton Wolves were 50 for three when the rain stopped play.

Though earlier rain had disrupted the game between Brampton Wolves and Mississauga Panthers on July 20 also, since Brampton Wolves were 99/1 in reply to Mississauga Panther’s total of 121, the match was decided by DLS after it was reduced to nine-overs aside. In that case, Brampton Wolves had a revised target of 56 runs in nine overs and they scored 99 to be declared winners by 44 runs.

After sharing points, Montreal Tigers moved to the top of the table with seven points from five games. Brampton Wolves also have seven points from five games but since they have better NRR (0.666) compared to Brampton Wolves (0.589), they take the top spot.

Similarly, Surrey Jaguars had five points, and got one for the cancellation of Saturday’s game, they remain at number three with six points now. Surrey Jaguars has, like other teams,  now completed five games and its NRR is 1.037. Toronto Nationals after completion of five games has five points and its NRR is 0.551.

Rain has been a big factor. Though the Tournament officials are taking all precautions to prevent seepage of water to the wickets, still moisture and soggy outfield makes the game difficult.

Prabhjot Singh