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The T20 World Cup 2024 got off to a flying start with the opening match played between co-host United States of America (USA) and their neighbours Canada played at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Texas, Dallas. USA successfully chased down the total of 195 runs with 7 wickets in hand and 2 overs of play still left.

It was a match where the bowlers were dominated by the batters. A total of 8 wickets fell on the night with two of them being run outs. Canada were asked to bat first, who stepped-up to the challenge very well and put on 194 runs on the board for the loss of 5 wickets. Later, USA chased down the target in 17.4 overs with Aaron Jones standing out for the USA side. Let’s take a look at 5 Standout Performance from USA vs Canada match.

Navneet Dhaliwal

Canada’s opening batter Navneet Dhaliwal set the stage for an epic clash between Canada and USA. The Canadian opening batter scored the first half-century of the tournament. The Punjab, India born 35-years-old Navneet Dhaliwal scored 61 runs in 44 balls that included 6 Fours and 3 Sixes. Dhaliwal and Aaron Johnson gave Canada a good start. Despite Johnson’s dismissal, Dhaliwal kept on going and kept pilling on the pressure on USA bowlers. He was eventually dismissed by Corey Anderson.

Nicholas Kirton

Left-handed 26-years-old batter Nicholas Kirton took over the responsibility of scoring runs at a quick rate in the middle-overs. The left-hand batter was exceptional with the bat, playing some stunning shots. Kirton scored 51 runs in 31 balls that included 3 fours and 2 sixes. Kirton’s inning in the middle ensured that Canada put 194 runs total on the board.

Andries Gous

Andries Gous, who is mainly an opening batter, came out on the ground after just 2 balls of the USA’s inning after Steven Taylor was given LBW out in just the 2nd ball of their inning while chasing 195 runs. Gous displayed some great cricket. Although he started a little slow, he played some great shots throughout the ground when he got his eyes set. Andries Gous scored 65 runs in 46 balls that included 7 Fours and 3 Sixes.

Aaron Jones

Aaron Jones Won Player of the Match Award

The most important and powerful inning of the match came from USA’s number 4 batter Aaron Jones. Jones arrived on the pitch after captain Monank Patel was dismissed right after the powerplay. Jones, who is a natural hitter of the ball, initially took some balls to set his eyes. After that, he just launched a counter-attack on the Canada bowlers. Jones heavily attacked against the Canadian spin bowlers, who were thrown out of the equation on the night. In the end, Aaron Jones remained not out after scoring 94 runs in 40 balls and hit the winning Six. Unfortunately, he fell 6 runs short of the century, but it was an inning that Jones would never forget. During his inning, he hit a staggering 10 Sixes 4 Fours. He was named the Player of the Match for his inning.

Dillon Heyliger

Every Canada bowlers were hit for more than 8 runs per over, in-fact 4 of the total 6 bowlers conceded over 10 runs per over for Canada. But, Dillon Heyliger seemed like he was playing on a different surface. Heyliger conceded only 19 runs in his 3 overs and got the wicket of USA captain Monank Patel, thus he is the only bowler to make the list.

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