BRAMPTON, Ont. — The Toronto Nationals began the Global T20 cricket tournament with a convincing win over the Vancouver Knights on Thursday, securing victory by eight wickets.
After winning the toss, Toronto elected to bat first. Chasing a target of 111 runs, the Nationals reached 111 for two with 32 balls to spare.
Former New Zealand player Colin Munro led the charge with 44 runs from 39 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes. He was supported by South African Rassie van der Dussen, who remained unbeaten with 31 runs.
The Nationals had a strong start, scoring 36-0 during the powerplay—the initial six overs when only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. In comparison, Vancouver managed 23-1 in their first six overs.
Munro and his opening partner Unmukt Chand put together 41 runs before Chand was dismissed for 23 runs in the seventh over by Sandeep Lamichhane.
Toronto was comfortably placed at 65 for one after 10 overs. They accelerated further in the 11th over, scoring 20 runs off Lamichhane, including three sixes—two from Munro.
Munro was eventually bowled by Paul van Meekeren in the 12th over, departing with 44 runs to his name and leaving Toronto at 88 for two.
Vancouver had a slow start, managing only 44 for one after 10 overs. Their innings took a dramatic turn in the 11th over when Junaid Siddique claimed three wickets—opener Reeza Hendricks (23), Harsh Thaker (0), and Nitish Kumar (0)—leaving Vancouver struggling at 45 for four.
The Nationals maintained their momentum and comfortably chased down the target, marking a successful start to their Global T20 campaign.
