NEW YORK, United States (AFP)— Nicholas Kirton rescued Canada from a collapse against Ireland but the non-Test nation were still restricted to a total of 137-7 in their T20 World Cup match in New York on Friday.

Canada were struggling at 53-4 inside nine overs after losing the toss.

None of the dismissals, however, could be blamed on a controversial pitch that had been widely criticised for uneven bounce in two previous games, including Ireland’s loss to India, at the specially-built venue.

But a partnership of 75 in 10 overs between Barbados-born left-hander Kirton, who made 49 off 35 balls, and Shreyas Movva (37) took Canada to 128-5.

Kirton was especially impressive in hitting 16 off one over from paceman Craig Young, including two fine straight sixes.

But he fell just short of 50 when a Barry McCarthy short-pitched delivery rose sharply to hit his gloves before looping to short fine leg.

McCarthy was the pick of Ireland’s attack with 2-24 from his maximum four overs.

Canada, like Ireland, are looking to bounce back from an opening Group A defeat after a seven-wicket reverse against the United States — also the shock conquerors of Pakistan on Thursday.