Canada Captain Saad Bin Zafar blamed his bowlers for missing their lines and lengths after Canada’s heartbreaking seven-wicket loss to the US in the opening T20 World Cup 2024 match in Dallas.
Saad performed poorly in defending the team’s score of 194. He surrendered 42 runs in his four-over period at an economy rate of 10.50. Speaking after the match, Saad stated that he thought the total of 194 runs was excellent and was pleased with it.
Bin Zafar also mentioned that the pitch at Grand Prairie Stadium had an ‘excellent bounce’. But unfortunately, they lost it! He also hoped that his team would do well in the forthcoming matches.
Canada’s Performance in Warm-Up Match
Saad Bin Zafar commented,
“I thought a score of 194 was a wonderful total, and I was quite pleased. We started well, and then Jones-Gous batted well. Our bowlers had no chance. The pitch had a strong bounce, but it improved for hitting in the second inning when dew settled in.
“Our bowlers missed their lines and lengths, and we should not have given away no-balls and extras.” We had an outstanding game overall. Nothing to be unhappy about; the youngsters’ effort was commendable. This is just the beginning, and we want to do well in the next game.
On the other hand, Aaron Jones scored a spectacular 94* from 40 balls. It included 10 sixes and four fours, aided by Andries Gous’ magnificent 65. The USA won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 opening against Canada by seven wickets.
Co-host the United States appeared under pressure as Canada batted first. Canada scored 194-5 before losing a wicket to the second ball of the innings. To win the match, the United States needed to chase down their highest-ever run total in a T20 international, surpassing their previous mark of 169.
Finally, the US easily accomplished its goal. With 14 balls remaining. Jones sealed the victory for the United States with his tenth six.
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Recapping The USA vs. Canada Match
After winning the toss, the USA decided to bowl first. Aaron Johnson (23 in 16 balls, five fours) & Navneet Dhaliwal put on an impressive 43-run opening partnership. Canada reached 66/2 after eight overs.
A 62-run partnership between Navneet (61 in 44 balls, with six fours and three sixes) and Nicholas Kirton (51 in 31 balls, with three fours and two sixes), as well as a cameo from Shreyas Movva (32 in 16 balls, with two fours and two sixes), helped Canada reach 194/5 in 20 overs. Harmeet Singh (1/27) was the USA’s bowler of choice.
In the run chase, USA struggled, losing two wickets for 42 runs after the powerplay.
The Americans appeared to be in a serious situation when skipper Monank Patel was out at 66-2 in the seventh over. At one point in the innings, the United States needed more than 12 runs per over to exceed Canada’s total.
However, a 131-run partnership between Aaron Jones (94* in 40 balls, with four boundaries and ten sixes) and Andries Gous (65 in 46 balls, with seven fours and three sixes) propelled the USA to a seven-wicket victory with 14 balls remaining.
Dillon Heyliger (1/19) was Canada’s top bowler. Jones was named ‘Player of the Match’ after delivering a powerful knock.
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About the Author
Zartash Zulfiqar is a passionate cricket writer whose love for cricket shines through in every word. From match analyses to player profiles, she delivers insightful commentary that resonates with fans worldwide. Stay tuned for the latest from the world of cricket, brought to you by Zartash.
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