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Grand Prairie, Texas: The United States of America started their T20 World Cup campaign with a convincing win over Canada by 7 wickets in a historic opening match.
Electing to bat first, Canada got off to a flying start with openers Aaron Johnson and Navneet Dhaliwal putting on a 43-run partnership. Dhaliwal (61) and Nicholas Kirton (51) added a crucial 62 runs for the third wicket before both fell prey to Corey Anderson (1/22) and Harmeet Singh (1/28) respectively. A late cameo by Shreyas Movva (32*) helped Canada post a competitive 194/5.
USA Chases Down Target with Ease:
Chasing a mammoth target, USA lost early wickets but a record-breaking partnership between Aaron Jones (94*) and Andries Gous (65) sealed the victory. The duo stitched together a 131-run stand, the highest for any wicket in USA's T20I history. Jones, with his blistering knock of 94 runs in just 40 balls (10 sixes, 4 fours), was declared the Player of the Match.
Disappointing Bowling by Canada:
Canada's bowlers, except for Dillon Heyliger (1/19), were expensive. Jeremy Gordon's (0/44) expensive 14th over, where he conceded 33 runs, proved to be a turning point in the match.
USA Looking Ahead:
This win will be a huge confidence booster for the USA as they look to continue their winning ways in the tournament. Canada, despite a valiant effort, will need to address their bowling woes before their next encounter.