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Andries Gous, Aaron Jones star with century stand as USA down Canada in historic first T20 World Cup game
Dallas, TX, Jun 02, 2024: Co-hosts USA got off to a blockbuster start in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup, getting the better off Canada here at the Grand Prairie stadium by 7 wickets, courtesy a match-winning 131 (of 58 balls) run third-wicket partnership between top-order batters Andries Gous (65 of 46) and Aaron Jones.
Chasing a target of 195 in 20 overs, Gous and Jones came together in the seventh over with the team in a spot of bother, but by the time Gous departed nine overs later, the home-team had turned the game around to pull-off a historic win. This was the first time both associate nations were playing in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Earlier USA captain Monank Patel won the toss and opted to bowl first in the Group A opener. Canada’s opening pair, Aaron Johnson, and Navneet Dhaliwal, began positively, putting up 43 runs for the first wicket in the power play. Dhaliwal continued his form, adding 62 runs with Nicholas Kirton for the third-wicket and then the latter put on 31 with keeper Shreyas Movva as the Canadian innings gained momentum.
Significant contributions came from Navneet Dhaliwal (61 off 44) and Nicholas Kirton (51 off 31), while Shreyas Movva’s 16-ball 32 cameo pushed the score to 194/5 in 20 overs.
In response, USA were not off to the best of starts, losing the experienced Steven Taylor to the second ball of the innings. Captain Monank Patel fell soon after, leaving the team at 42 for 2 in the seventh over. However, Andries Gous and Aaron Jones then took control, putting on a stunning 131-run partnership that turned the game in USA’s favor.
Jones’ explosive 94* off 40 balls, featuring 10 sixes, and Gous’ steady 65 off 46 balls, with 7 fours and 3 sixes, ensured the USA reached the target with 14 balls to spare. Their partnership not only secured the win but also set a new standard for USA Cricket in international T20 competitions.
Brief Scores
Canada- 194/5 (20 overs); Navneet Dhaliwal 61 (44 balls), Nicholas Kirton 51 (31), Shreyas Movva 32 (16)
USA- 197/3 (17.4 overs); Aaron Jones 94* (40), Andries Gous 65 (46)
