Canada finished their innings at 161 for 6 against Nepal in a T20 World Cup warm up match, recovering well after a cautious start at the top. The match served as the final practice opportunity for both teams before the start of the main tournament, with each side looking to fine tune combinations and build confidence.
After winning the toss, Canada elected to bat first but found scoring difficult in the opening phase. Nepal’s bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths, putting pressure on the Canadian batters. The early breakthrough came when Sompal Kami dismissed opener Yuvraj Sarma, leaving Canada in a spot of early trouble.
The first ten overs proved challenging, as Canada struggled to accelerate the run rate. Nepal’s bowling attack used the conditions effectively, preventing free flowing stroke play and forcing batters to take fewer risks. At the halfway stage, Canada had lost momentum and needed a stabilising partnership.
That role was filled by Navneet Dhaliwal and Kanwarpal Tathgur, who combined to rebuild the innings. The pair focused on rotating the strike and picking up boundaries when possible, gradually lifting the scoring rate. Their partnership helped Canada regain control and ensured the team had a platform to push on in the later stages.
While the middle overs lacked explosive hitting, the Canadian batters remained composed and avoided further collapses. The emphasis remained on batting through the innings and setting a competitive total rather than chasing an aggressive run rate at the cost of wickets.
In the final overs, Canada managed to increase the tempo, adding valuable runs to take the total past the 160 mark. The finish gave the side confidence, especially after the difficulties faced early in the innings.
For Nepal, the warm up match provided an opportunity to test their bowling unit against international opposition. The bowlers showed discipline and control, particularly in the powerplay and middle overs, which will be encouraging heading into the tournament.
Both Nepal and Canada have qualified for the T20 World Cup, marking a significant milestone for the associate nations. Qualification itself is seen as a major achievement, and both teams are now focused on making a competitive impact in the main draw.
The T20 format is often considered favourable for associate teams, as it allows them to challenge higher ranked opponents with disciplined bowling and calculated batting. Matches like this warm up encounter offer valuable exposure and preparation before facing stronger sides in the tournament.
As the teams move into the main competition, Canada will look to improve their scoring rate in the middle overs, while Nepal will aim to build on their bowling performance and sharpen their batting depth.
