The Stats Zone
July 25 2019, 08:36 · Rob Esteva

2019 Global t20 Canada – Toronto Nationals vs Vancouver Knights Preview & Prediction

2019 Global t20 Canada – Toronto Nationals vs Vancouver Knights Preview & Prediction

THE FACTS

When is Toronto Nationals vs Vancouver Knights taking place? Thursday 25th July, 2019 – 17:30 (UK)

Where is Toronto Nationals vs Vancouver Knights taking place? CAA Centre, Brampton

What is the expected weather for Toronto Nationals vs Vancouver Knights? 26-27c with sunshine and an outside chance of a shower

What television channel is Toronto Nationals vs Vancouver Knights on? FreeSports (Sky Channel 422)

Where can I stream Toronto Nationals vs Vancouver Knights? Premier Sports subscribers can stream the match via Premier Player

Where can I get tickets for Toronto Nationals vs Vancouver Knights? Tickets for this match can be purchased here!

HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: Vancouver Knights beat Toronto Nationals by 8 wickets

THE TEAM NEWS

TORONTO NATIONALS

  • Toronto Nationals come into the second edition of the T20 Global Canada hoping to improve on last year’s performance which saw them finish bottom of the ladder with two wins from their six matches, although they were competitive on the whole.

  • They have made a number of changes to their roster for this edition as Yuvraj Singh joins and captain the side which will include Kieron Pollard, Brendon McCullum, Heinrich Klaasen, Chris Green and Nepalese prodigy Sandeep Lamichhane, although the latter is on international duty right now.
  • Geoff Lawson has also replaced Phil Simmons as head coach of the Nationals for this tournament which is one of the main reasons why there are fewer West Indian players in the squad, but they will be hoping the experienced duo of Yuvraj and McCullum can lead by example.

VANCOUVER KNIGHTS

  • Vancouver Knights were the standout team in the first edition of the T20 Global Canada as they won the inaugural trophy and they have been able to retain a strong core of their team as they look to defend their title.

  • Captain Chris Gayle returns to Vancouver and the veteran powerhouse has brought back Van der Dussen, Walton and Southee for another term, but the availability of Andre Russell in the tournament will depend on his fitness and his selection for the West Indies to face India in their upcoming series so he is unlikely to feature.
  • Daniel Sams joins the squad for this season and he could be a key if underrated player for them although the squad looks significantly weaker than it was last year when they also had Ben Dunk, Sheldon Cottrell, Fawad Ahmed and Evin Lewis to count on so they may not have it their own way this time around.

THE PREDICTION

The defending champions Vancouver Knights face the team that finished bottom last year in the Toronto Nationals as the T20 Global gets under way. While there was a significant gulf in quality between the two teams last year, the rosters look much more even this time around and the Nationals will be confident of pushing the Knights all the way. Assuming all their players are available, the Nationals’ bowling unit of McClenaghan, Pollard, and Green could pose plenty of problems for the defending champions and swing it in their favour.