Cricket Highlights, June 02: T20 WC 2024 (Match 01) – USA vs Canada

USA vs. Canada (Match 01) – Highlights

In this article, we will explore the cricket highlights of the T20 World Cup 2024’s opening match on June 02, where the USA made a powerful debut by thrashing Canada in Dallas. The vice-captain, Aaron Jones, along with Andries Gous, a former South African player now residing in Texas, led the charge with a commanding 131-run partnership for the third wicket, achieving an impressive run rate of 14.29. The USA completed their chase of 195 runs with seven wickets in hand and 14 balls remaining.

After being put to bat first, Canada made an aggressive start. Aaron Johnson set the tone by hitting a four off Ali Khan’s first delivery, and despite being hit on the helmet in the next over, he continued his offensive play. However, Harmeet Singh, who has experience playing two Under-19 World Cups for India and for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, slowed Canada’s momentum by dismissing Johnson for 23 off 16 balls with a catch to mid-off. 

Navneet Dhaliwal, Johnson’s opening partner, carried on to score a half-century, marking Canada’s first in a T20 World Cup. Dhaliwal added a 62-run partnership for the third wicket with Nicholas Kirton, who also scored a fifty.

Kirton, reminiscent of Nicholas Pooran in his style, especially with his lofted shots over extra cover, got into rhythm with sixes off full-tosses from Taylor and Shadley van Schalkwyk. He was the only Canadian batsman to handle Corey Anderson’s bowling with confidence. Although Dhaliwal and Kirton were dismissed within three overs, wicketkeeper-batsman Shreyas Movva provided a strong finish with an unbeaten 32 off 16 balls.

Corey Anderson, formerly a New Zealand allrounder, made history by becoming the fifth player to represent two nations in the T20 World Cup, following in the footsteps of Roelof van der Merwe, Dirk Nannes, David Wiese, and Mark Chapman. Anderson delivered a clever spell full of variations, primarily slower balls, on the Dallas pitch. Introduced in the 15th over, he immediately struck, dismissing Dhaliwal, and finished with figures of 3-0-29-1.

On the eve of the T20 World Cup opener, Aaron Jones described USA’s cricket style as “fearless, positive, and smart,” emphasizing their commitment to playing without regrets. Jones epitomized this approach by scoring an unbeaten 94 off 40 balls, including ten sixes—second only to Chris Gayle’s record for most sixes in a T20 World Cup innings.

Entering the game with USA at 42 for 2 in the seventh over after losing openers Steven Taylor (0) and Monank Patel (16 off 16), Jones faced seamers who exploited the conditions under the lights. However, he targeted the spinners, scoring 61 off 22 balls from Saad Bin Zafar and Nikhil Dutta, using a variety of shots including slog-sweeps and reverse sweeps.

Jones also showcased his ability against pace by hitting a massive 103-meter six off Dilon Heyliger. Gous, initially subdued, erupted in the 14th over against Jeremy Gordon, scoring 6, 4, 6, 4 in an over that cost Canada 33 runs. Jones continued his six-hitting spree, celebrating with animated fist pumps that energized the crowd, who chanted: “USA! USA! USA!”

Though Gous was eventually out for 65 off 46 balls, Jones fittingly sealed the victory with consecutive sixes off Nikhil Dutta, securing USA’s fifth consecutive win over Canada, having defeated them 4-0 in the series leading up to their World Cup debut.

USA vs. Canada Scoreboard 

United States of America – 197/3 (20.0)

Canada – 194/5 (20.0)

Result – U.S.A. won by 7 wickets

Player of the match – Aaron Jones

Aaron Jones

USA vs. Canada Playing XIs 

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