King City, Ontario – Canada pulled off a decisive five-wicket victory over Oman in the ICC World Cup Cricket League 2, bolstered by a stellar performance from Pargat Singh, who not only contributed 83 runs off 95 balls but also took two crucial wickets in a superb all-around display. The match, held at the Maple Leaf North-West Ground, saw Canada secure their fourth win of the tournament and continue their quest for a place in the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Oman Sets a Modest Target
Oman, batting first after Canada elected to field, posted a total of 198 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their 50 overs. The innings was anchored by an impressive 111-run partnership between Kashyap Prajapati and Aqib Ilyas, who both showed grit and determination in the face of sharp Canadian bowling. Prajapati scored a steady 52 off 100 balls, while Ilyas, the Omani captain, played a crucial knock of 61 off 98 deliveries, including four boundaries and two sixes.
However, once the partnership was broken, Oman struggled to maintain momentum. Shakeel Ahmed was the only other notable contributor, scoring a quickfire 29 off 25 balls, including a boundary and two towering sixes. The Canadian bowling unit, led by Kaleem Sana and Pargat Singh, kept the pressure on. Sana finished with figures of 2/30 from his 10 overs, while Singh took 2/22. Harsh Thaker and Saad Bin Zafar also chipped in with one wicket each, as Oman limped to 198/8 at the close of their innings.
Pargat Singh’s Brilliance Leads Canada’s Chase
In response, Canada’s run chase began cautiously, with openers Navneet Dhaliwal and Aaron Johnson laying a solid foundation. Johnson was aggressive, smashing 31 runs off 27 balls, including three sixes. Dhaliwal, on the other hand, played a more restrained innings, scoring 25 off 61 balls. Their partnership of 38 was broken when Johnson was caught by Jatinder Singh off the bowling of Shakeel Ahmed.
However, it was Pargat Singh who turned the game decisively in Canada’s favor. Coming in at number three, Singh played with composure and aggression, scoring 83 off 95 balls. His innings, studded with nine boundaries and one six, took the game away from Oman as he skillfully handled the pressure and punished loose deliveries.
Shreyas Movva provided steady support with an unbeaten 36 off 60 balls, while Saad Bin Zafar finished the game alongside him as Canada reached the target in 45.3 overs, with 27 balls to spare.
Oman’s bowlers tried to stem the flow of runs, with Ayaan Khan impressing with figures of 2/21 from his seven overs. However, the lack of breakthroughs, particularly in the middle overs, hurt Oman’s chances, allowing Canada to ease to victory.
Canada’s World Cup Qualifying Hopes Remain Alive
This victory strengthens Canada’s position in the ICC World Cup League 2 standings, as they look to secure one of the top four spots that would advance them to the World Cup Qualifier. Currently ranked 19th in the world, Canada is determined to qualify for the expanded 2027 Cricket World Cup, having missed out on the 50-over tournament since 2011.
With Pargat Singh earning the Player of the Match honors for his all-round heroics, the Canadian team will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming matches against Nepal and Oman in the ongoing tri-series. Canada now sits third in the standings, behind the Netherlands and Scotland, as they continue to fight for a place in the next World Cup.
Score Summary:
Oman: 198/8 (50 overs)
- Kashyap Prajapati 52 (100), Aqib Ilyas 61 (98)
- Kaleem Sana 2/30, Pargat Singh 2/22
Canada: 199/5 (45.3 overs)
- Pargat Singh 83 (95), Aaron Johnson 31 (27)
- Ayaan Khan 2/21, Shakeel Ahmed 1/26
Canada won by 5 wickets (with 27 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Pargat Singh (Canada) – 83 runs and 2/22
With their eyes set firmly on World Cup qualification, Canada is now a force to be reckoned with as they continue their campaign on home soil.
