Toronto Nationals vs Winnipeg Hawks, Global T20 Canada Eliminator: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

A 35-run win against Montreal Tigers helped Toronto Nationals secure third spot in the points table of Global T20 Canada 2019. While Montreal were eliminated, Toronto will play fourth-placed Winnipeg Hawks in the Eliminator, on August 8.

Toronto have won 3 and lost 3 of their matches. While two of their defeats came against Brampton Wolves and Vancouver Knights – who will play Qualifier 1 – the other came against Winnipeg, which is something they will keep in mind.

They have lost Kieron Pollard, but Brendon McCullum, Heinrich Klaasen, and the in-form Rodrigo Thomas combine to make a line-up as formidable as any. Keep an eye on the unheralded Chris Green, Salman Nazar, and Jeremy Gordon, who have been magnificent with ball.

Winnipeg have won twice, but one of them was against Toronto, so they have reason to feel upbeat. Their batting line-up, while lacking in big names, are probably more explosive, with JP Duminy, Chris Lynn, Shaiman Anwar, and Sunny Sohal all in devastating form. Dwayne Bravo and gang have been in excellent form.

Head to head

Winnipeg have won both clashes between the sides, by 56 runs last season and by 3 wickets – off the last ball – this time.

Key players

Brendon McCullum (Toronto Nationals): The tournament is going to be McCullum’s last outing in professional cricket, and he will desperately want to leave on a high. He has played only twice, but his strike rate of 148 is an indication of his form.

Dwayne Bravo (Winnipeg Hawks): Bravo’s 6 wickets are the most for Winnipeg this season; he has hit 5 sixes off the 39 balls he has faced; and even at 35 he continues to remain one of the most athletic men around.

Likely XIs

Toronto Nationals: Rodrigo Thomas, Brendon McCullum, Moises Henriques (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Manpreet Gony, Ravinderpal Singh, Chris Green, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jeremy Gordon, Salman Nazar, Sandeep Lamichhane.

Winnipeg Hawks: Shaiman Anwar, Chris Lynn, Dwayne Smith, JP Duminy (c), Umar Akmal, Sunny Sohal, Kaleem Sana, Sompal Kami, Mohammad Irfan, Umair Ghani, Paul van Meekeren.

Prediction

Toronto to win and make it to Qualifier 2.