News DeskVancouver, BC: The Brampton Blitz claimed the first-ever Canada Super 60 title with a commanding eight-wicket victory over the Montreal Royal Tigers at BC Place in Vancouver on October 14.
The final was an anti-climax after a day of high-octane semi-final action, as the Blitz’s bowlers produced a devastating display, skittling the Tigers for a paltry 69 in just eight overs.
Tigers Tamed by Blitz Bowlers
The Tigers’ batting line-up collapsed dramatically under the pressure of the final, with only Shakib Al Hasan (29 off 12) and Dilpreet Bajwa (18 off 8) managing to reach double figures. The damage was done primarily by the lethal pace and spin combination of the Blitz. Dillon Heyliger led the charge with a fantastic spell of 4/9, ably supported by man-of-the-match David Wiese (3/6) and Chris Greaves (3/16), ensuring a minimal target for their side.
Guptill, Vince Seal the Deal
Chasing just 70, the Blitz made light work of the target, securing the victory in only 5.5 overs. James Vince top-scored with a quick-fire 34 off 16 balls, featuring four fours and two sixes. Opener Martin Guptill continued his fine form with an unbeaten 23 off 13, and Alex Davies finished the proceedings in style, smashing a six to cap off a dominant performance.
Road to Glory: Guptill’s Power Hitting Sets Up Final Berth
Earlier in the day, the Blitz’s semi-final against the Mississauga Masters was a display of sheer batting brutality. Chasing a formidable 148, the Blitz openers, Martin Guptill and Will Smeed, tore into the Masters’ bowling attack. They put on a massive 141-run opening stand in a mere 6.5 overs, securing a dominant nine-wicket victory.
Guptill was in a destructive mood, smashing 11 sixes and two fours in his whirlwind 79 off 25 balls, while Smeed was equally brutal, carving eight sixes and a four in his 63 off 21, taking the team home in eight overs. The Masters had posted a challenging total thanks to Leus de Plooy (43 off 20), Sikandar Raza (29 off 13), and explosive cameos from Shubham Ranjane (25 off 9) and Rayyan Pathan (19 off 7). Piyush Chawla was the pick of the Blitz bowlers with 3/23.
Tigers Edge Past Kings in Close Semi-Final
In the first semi-final, the Montreal Royal Tigers booked their spot in the final by defeating the Vancouver Kings by 24 runs. The Tigers’ innings was rescued by a brilliant knock from Nick Hobson, who smashed 50 off 23 balls, lifting them to 100/6 after coming in at 40/3. Baltej Singh (3/21) was the most successful bowler for the Kings.
In the chase, the Kings were strangled early by a miserly spell from Tigers’ captain Shakib Al Hasan (2/5 in two overs) and a two-wicket haul from Ryan Higgins (2/16). Despite fighting efforts from Max Chu (25 off 10), Obus Pienaar (20 off 11), and Jaskarandeep Singh (16 off 13), the Kings were restricted to 76/7.
End of Season Honours
The inaugural Canada Super 60 tournament saw some stellar individual performances:
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): David Wiese (Brampton Blitz) – A stellar all-round campaign, scoring 149 runs at a strike rate over 213 and claiming nine wickets.
- Top Scorer: Leus de Plooy (Mississauga Masters) – Finished with 238 runs in six innings at a strike rate exceeding 231.
- Top Wicket-Taker: Dillon Heyliger (Brampton Blitz) – Claimed 13 wickets in seven matches at an average of 11.76.
