Canadian women defeat the U.S. by nine runs to open Americas T20 cricket qualifier

BUENOS AIRES – Achini Perera scored 28 not out and captain Amarpal Kaur took two wickets as Canada defeated the U.S. by nine runs Monday in the opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Americas Region Qualifier.

Inclement weather delayed the start of the contest and when the teams took the field, the match was reduced to seven overs per side.

The four-team tournament — Argentina and Brazil are also competing in the double round-robin — will send one team to represent the region in the final stage of qualification, the 10-team ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026.

Canada won the toss and elected to bat at the St Albans Club Ground with openers Perera (28) and Kaur (12) leading Canada to a run total of 51 in seven overs. In response, the Americans managed just 42 runs at the expense of three wickets in their seven overs.

Kaur was named player of the match.

Canada plays Argentina on Tuesday.

Next year’s Women’s T20 World Cup, to be held in England and Wales, will feature 12 teams.

Australia, England, India, defending champion New Zealand, South Africa and the West Indies have qualified automatically for the T20 World Cup by virtue of the performances at the 2024 tournament. Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the two next highest-ranked teams as of October 2024, have also booked their ticket.

The four remaining spots will be determined through the 10-team Qualifier, with the field determined by regional qualifiers.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 10, 2025