Co-hosts USA made a statement with a seven-wicket win over Canada in the T20 World Cup 2024 opener at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas. Andries Gous and Aaron Jones pulled off the third-highest successful run chase in T20 World Cup history. USA who beat Bangladesh 2-1 in the three-T20I series have made Group A interesting and issued a warning for big teams India and Pakistan.
“We want to continue the way we play are playing (fearless cricket). We don't want to change anything whether we play Pakistan or India,” Canada skipper Monank Patel in the post-match presentation.
Patel lauded his Barbados-born teammate Aaron Jones for his power-hitting to chase down 195 with more than two overs to spare. He also thanked the homecrowd for their support.
“We always we knew he (Aaron Jones) had the game. He played fearless cricket. Really happy to see the crowd in numbers, hope they continue to give us the support,” he said.
This was also USA's highest successful run chase in T20Is. Their previous highest was against Canada as well. Earlier this year, they chased down 169 against Canada. The 131-run partnership between Gous and Jones is the highest for USA in T20Is.
Jones achieves multiple feats
Jones smashed 10 sixes in his match-winning knock, the second-most by a batter in an innings in T20 World Cups. Also, his unbeaten 94 is the second-highest score by a batter on T20 World Cup debut. He surpassed former South Africa batter Herschelle Gibbs’ 90. The top spot is occupied by former West Indies’ opener Chris Gayle who scored a century.
“I don't think it is easy to put it into words. Happy to get my team over the line. I thought anything under 200 is chaseable. We wanted to play aggressive cricket. I think I go through my process while I practice. To be honest, when my team is under pressure it gets the best out of me,” Jones said as he was adjudged ‘Player of the match’.
Big games ahead
After a resounding win, USA will play their next match at the same venue against Babar Azam-led Pakistan. Then, they will go up against Rohit Sharma's India at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on June 12.
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