Match Details:

The 11th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Region Final 2019 will be played between Canada and United States of America (USA) at the White Hill Field in Sandys Parish, Hamilton.

The match starts at 11:00 AM local time (7:30 PM IST) (2:00 PM GMT).

Preview:

United States of America (USA) might not have a chance to qualify for the T20 World Cup Qualifiers from the Americas Region Final. But they have an opportunity to halt Canada’s unbeaten streak in the tournament. Canada won four out of five matches they played while another game ended without a result. Canada is hoping to win this match and finish as the No.1 team in this Regional Final.

The USA won two matches in this competition, both against the Cayman Islands. The Canadian team and the United States were involved in the first-ever unofficial International match way back in 1844. However, it took both the teams another 175 years to feature in a game that had official status. Canada ended on the winning side like in 1844. The USA has a chance to return the favour before bowling out of the race.

Weather Condition/Report:

The weather report doesn’t look good for Sunday as Thunderstorms are predicted whole day. However, the same was forecasted for Saturday but the rain did not interrupt any of the two matches.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The morning matches at the White Hill Field in Sandys Parish remain low scoring ones. The Cayman Islands batting first on most occasions and the early moisture are a couple of reasons for that. Scores around 140 can be won defending during this time.

Probable Playing XIs:

Canada:

Rizwan Cheema, Rodrigo Thomas, Navneet Dhaliwal (C), Ravinderpal Singh, Nitish Kumar, Hamza Tariq (WK), Nikhil Dutta, Saad bin Zafar, Abraash Khan, Dilon Heyliger, Romesh Eranga.

Bench: Harsh Thaker, Junaid Siddiqui.

United States of America (USA):

Jaskaran Malhotra (WK), Monank Patel, Steven Taylor, Aaron Jones, Sunny Sohal, Timil Patel, Hayden Walsh Jr, Nisarg Patel, Timroy Allen, Saurabh Netravalkar (C), Karima Gore.

Bench:  Xavier Marshall, Jasdeep Singh, Cameron Gannon.

Top Picks:

Steven Taylor is looking in a dangerous form with three 20+ scores in as many matches. Nitish Kumar is a safe option as he picks wickets when he doesn’t bat and scores runs when he doesn’t bowl. Nitish will be perfect as vice-captain in these conditions.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Nitish Kumar, Navneet Dhaliwal, Steven Taylor, Hayden Walsh Jr

Vice-captain – Timil Patel, Dilon Heyliger, Aaron Jones, Nisarg Patel

Nisarg Patel played only two matches in the tournament; both against the Cayman Islands. He picked up two wickets in both matches and can be picked as vice-captain if their bowl first.

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Hamza Tariq

Batsmen – Nitish Kumar, Rizwan Cheema, Steven Taylor (C), Timil Patel

All-Rounders – Hayden Walsh Jr

Bowlers – Romesh Eranga, Nisarg Patel, Nikhil Dutta, Dilon Heyliger (VC), Karima Gore

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Jaskaran Malhotra

Batsmen – Rodrigo Thomas, Nitish Kumar (C), Timil Patel, Aaron Jones (VC), Steven Taylor

All-Rounders – Hayden Walsh Jr

Bowlers – Romesh Eranga, Nisarg Patel, Saad bin Zafar, Dilon Heyliger

Expert Advice:

Canada bowlers’ consistency is slightly ahead of the consistency of their batsmen. Romesh Eranga and Dilon Heyliger are a must in any team combination. Eranga has good strike-rate with the ball while Heyliger can contribute with the bat if required.

Probable Winners:

Canada is expected to finish the tournament unbeaten.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.