Under the leadership of Colin Munro, the Toronto Nationals pulled off an incredible comeback, winning three consecutive playoff matches to claim the Global T20 (GT20) Canada 2024 title. They defeated the top-ranked and defending champions, Montreal Tigers, by 8 wickets in the Final to secure their first championship victory.
The Nationals entered the playoffs in fourth place, having won three games and lost three, finishing with 7 points. With a mix of good fortune and key players rising to the occasion, they surged through the playoffs to lift the trophy.
GT20 Canada 2024 Final: Toronto Nationals Overcome Montreal Tigers
In the Final, after winning the toss, Colin Munro chose to bowl first, anticipating the threat of rain. This decision proved wise, as the Toronto bowlers quickly capitalised on favourable conditions, leaving the Montreal Tigers struggling.
Fast bowlers Jason Behrendorff, Romario Shepherd, and Junaid Siddique wreaked havoc, reducing Montreal to 28/5 within the powerplay. Behrendorff, who finished with outstanding figures of 3/8 in 4 overs, was named Player of the Match for his crucial wickets of seasoned players Chris Lynn and Tim Seifert, both of whom were dismissed for low scores. Each of the six Toronto bowlers took at least one wicket. Corbin Bosch was the top scorer for the Tigers, managing 35 runs, as the team limped to 96/9 at the end of 20 overs.
Chasing a modest target of 97, the Nationals faced an early setback when Munro was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Azmatullah Omarzai. Wicketkeeper Unmukt Chand soon followed, bowled by Bosch for just 4 runs. However, with 85 runs needed from 108 balls, USA international Andries Gous (58 not out) and South African international Rassie van der Dussen (30 not out) formed a solid partnership, guiding the Nationals to a comfortable eight-wicket victory, reaching 97/2 in 15 overs at Brampton, Ontario.
Toronto Nationals’ Journey to the GT20 Canada Final
The Toronto Nationals secured the fourth and final playoff spot after the league stage, setting up an Eliminator match against Bangla Tigers. In this match, a walkover decision allowed the Nationals to advance to Qualifier 2, where they faced Brampton Wolves. A four-wicket haul by Romario Shepherd in the first innings helped Toronto win by 5 wickets.
This victory in Qualifier 2 earned them a place in the GT20 Canada 2024 Final, where they defeated the defending champions Montreal Tigers by 8 wickets, ultimately emerging as the champions of the tournament.