Victory over Kenya or Bangladesh will have Canada regarding the World Cup as a triumph.
They qualified by beating Scotland to finish third in the ICC Trophy in Toronto. They last qualified in 1979, finishing second in the preceding ICC Trophy, and played three one-sided matches against England, Pakistan and Australia.
Since the ICC Trophy, the team have enjoyed considerable success, finishing runners-up at the Americas Cup, defeating West Indies A in a three-match home one-day series, and winning two matches in the Red Stripe Bowl.
Their build-up has had its difficulties. Financial problems means that a tour of Namibia was cancelled, and most of the squad have flown from a Canadian winter. The national body sacked Australian coach Jeff Thomas and brought in former West Indian batsman Gus Logie last year.
The squad, average age 31, are a mixture of imports and homegrown talent. Five have first-class experience, including former Auckland and Otago batsman Ian Billcliff. The difficulty for Canada will be maintaining the length, line and accuracy to contain through 50 overs.
Joe Harris is perhaps the ideal leader - Indian-born, West Indian in cricket experience, and a capable captain.
Canada have the potential to embarrass a team who under-estimate them. On form they should give Bangladesh and Kenya a good game. Anything better and they'll be ecstatic.
Cricket: Team overview: Canada
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