Nestled in King City, Ontario, the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground stands as one of Canada’s premier cricket facilities. Operated by the Maple Leaf Cricket Club and established in 1954, this historic ground is home to five cricket fields, with the North-West Ground being its most prominent. Boasting a seating capacity of 7,000, this field has become a significant venue for international matches, attracting fans and players alike.
Located approximately 30 kilometres north of Toronto, the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground made history when it hosted its first international match—a One-Day International (ODI) between Canada and Bermuda. This landmark event made the ground only the second in Canada to hold an ODI. Bermuda, under the leadership of Irving Romaine, triumphed in the match, securing victory by three wickets. Since that pivotal game, the ground has hosted more than 10 ODI matches, becoming a key destination for cricket in the country.
In October 2008, the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground welcomed its inaugural Twenty20 International (T20I) game, featuring Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan team, led by Mahela Jayawardene, claimed victory in the first T20I match at the venue, winning by five wickets. This match cemented the ground’s status as a hub for thrilling international cricket.
Memorable Moments and Records at Maple Leaf Cricket Ground
Highest ODI Total
The West Indies hold the record for the highest team total at this venue, set during a tri-series in August 2008. Led by Chris Gayle, the West Indies posted an impressive 303/4 in their 50 overs against Canada. Xavier Marshall was the star of the innings, remaining unbeaten on 157, supported by Leon Johnson’s 51 and Brendan Nash’s 39 not out. Canada, despite a spirited effort, could only muster 254 runs in response, handing the West Indies a 49-run victory.
Lowest ODI Total
On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest team total at the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground belongs to Canada. In an ICC World Cricket League Championship match in August 2013, Canada was skittled out for a mere 67 runs in 24.4 overs by the Netherlands. Damodar Daesrath top-scored with 31, while Junaid Siddiqui added 12. Dutch pacer Timm van der Gugten was the architect of Canada’s collapse, claiming five wickets, while Pieter Seelaar chipped in with four. The Netherlands comfortably chased down the target in just 10.4 overs, securing a nine-wicket win.
Top Run-Scorer
Former Canadian cricketer Rizwan Cheema leads the list for most runs scored at this ground in ODI matches. Between 2008 and 2011, Cheema accumulated 297 runs across six matches, boasting an average of 59.40 and a remarkable strike rate of 132.58. Cheema also registered three half-centuries at the venue, with his powerful hitting leaving a lasting impression on the ground’s history. Abdool Samad, another Canadian player, follows with 246 runs in eight matches at an average of 35.14.
Top Wicket-Taker
In addition to his batting prowess, Rizwan Cheema also holds the record for the most wickets taken in ODI cricket at Maple Leaf Cricket Ground. The medium pacer took nine wickets in six matches at an average of 16.11, with his best bowling figures being 3/31 against the West Indies. He was followed by left-arm spinner Sunil Dhaniram, who claimed eight wickets in eight ODIs.
Highest Individual Score
Xavier Marshall’s remarkable unbeaten 157 remains the highest individual score recorded at this venue in an ODI. During the tri-series in August 2008, Marshall’s knock featured 11 boundaries and 12 towering sixes, as he helped the West Indies post a formidable total of 303/4. His innings was pivotal in securing a 49-run victory for his team against Canada.
Best Bowling Figures
Netherlands fast bowler Timm van der Gugten holds the record for the best bowling figures at Maple Leaf Cricket Ground in ODI matches. In August 2013, during a World Cricket League Championship game, van der Gugten delivered a match-winning spell of 5/24 against Canada. His outstanding performance dismantled the Canadian batting lineup and played a key role in his team’s emphatic nine-wicket victory.
Highest Partnership
The highest partnership at this ground in ODI cricket was forged by Canada’s Abdool Samad and Ashish Bagai. In a match against Bermuda in July 2008, the duo put together an impressive 217-run stand for the third wicket. Samad contributed a stellar 130, while Bagai added 84 to propel Canada to a total of 276/9. Bermuda fell short in their chase, managing only 199/7, as Canada secured a comfortable 77-run win.
A Ground Rich in History
The Maple Leaf Cricket Ground has etched its place in the annals of Canadian and international cricket. With its legacy of hosting memorable matches and witnessing remarkable performances, it remains a cherished venue for cricket enthusiasts. As the sport continues to grow in Canada, this historic ground will undoubtedly remain at the heart of the country’s cricketing landscape.