USA vs Canada highlights, T20 World Cup 2024: Aaron Jones' 94* help USA beat Canada by seven wickets

Right then, that will be it from us for this contest. We hope you enjoyed the coverage. Do join in for the second game of the T20 World Cup which features the co-hosts, West Indies and Papua New Guinea. That game will start at 8.00 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT). But you can join early for all the build-up. Take care and cheers!

Aaron Jones is the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock. He says it isn't easy to put into words and it is a big rivalry but he is just happy to take his team over the line tonight. Adds that he knew anything around 200 was chasable and they backed themselves to do it. Mentions that he practices hard and then backs himself in the game. Reckons that he has been with the side for a while now and they have been under pressure, yet again iterates that he is happy to get his side home.

Presentation time...

Not a lot to talk about Canada's bowling performance. They started well with the ball but once the USA counter-attacked, it all went downhill for Canada. Kaleem Sana, Dilon Heyliger, and Nikhil Dutta took one piece but Canada were outplayed in the end as USA chased the score with more than 2 overs to spare. Earlier in the day, Canada made 194 for 5 on the back of attacking fifties from Navneet Dhaliwal and Nicolas Kirton while Aaron Johnson and Shreyas Movva also made handy runs.  Harmeet Singh was the standout bowler for USA with an economy under 7 and took a wicket as well. Canada will face harder challenges against stronger teams but they will hope to put up a better show in their upcoming games. 

WHAT A DOMINANT WIN!  A thumping victory for the co-hosts USA, who start their tournament with a BANG. Chasing a massive score of 195 for the win, USA started tenatively and lost Steven Taylor for a golden duck. Monank Patel and Andries Gous stuck around for a while and added 42 for the second wicket. Monank Patel departed for 16 in the seventh over and in came Aaron Jones. He stuck the ball cleanly from the start of the innings and tilted the momentum in his team's favor. Him alongside Gous, added a brillaint 131 for the third wicket in less than ten overs. Jones peppered boundaries at will and never allowed Canada the chance to get back. Gous started slowly but stuck around and made 65 off 46 to support Jones. It was Aaron Jones, who was the star of the chase with an unbeaten 94 off just 40 and gives USA, their first ever win the T20 World Cup. 

17.4: Nikhil Dutta to Aaron Jones, SIX! That's it, Aaron Jones has done it and what a way to get USA its first ever T20 World Cup win. Flighted delivery on off and middle, Jones yet again sets himself up for the slog-sweep and smokes the ball high and handsome over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. Jones finishes unbeaten on 94 off 40 balls with 10 sixes as USA beat Canada by 7 wickets!

17.3: Nikhil Dutta to Aaron Jones, Slower and on a dragged length around off, Aaron Jones plays it off the back foot but can't get it through covers.

17.2: Nikhil Dutta to Aaron Jones, SIX! Oh, that has been parried over the fence! Tossed up on the stumps, Aaron Jones gets inside the line and slog-sweeps it flat towards deep square leg. The man from backward square leg runs across to his left from deep backward square leg and sticks out a left hand on the run but the ball goes over the ropes.

17.1: Nikhil Dutta to Aaron Jones, FOUR! That was hit really crisply! Flighted delivery, full and on the stumps, Aaron Jones pre-meditates a bit and waits well before flat-batting the reverse sweep over short third for a boundary.

16.6: Kaleem Sana to Aaron Jones, On the fuller side and around off, played away on the up to covers for one.

16.6: Kaleem Sana to Aaron Jones, THREE WIDES! Poor line and sloppy work from the keeper as well. Full and aimed at the pads, Aaron Jones comes forward and misses the flick as the keeper dives to his left. Shreyas Movva lets it through his gloves and the batters get an extra couple of runs.

16.5: Kaleem Sana to Aaron Jones, On a good length around off stump, pushed out towards cover.

16.4: Kaleem Sana to Corey Anderson, Overthrows! Good length around off stump, tapped in front of point and Corey Anderson looks for one but turns back quickly. The fielder there has a shy at the keeper's end but misses and they do eventually get the single.

16.3: Kaleem Sana to Aaron Jones, Nice and full around off stump, gets it in the blockhole, Aaron Jones drives it towards long off and turns the strike over.

16.2: Kaleem Sana to Corey Anderson, Full and at the stumps, Corey Anderson comes down the track and drives it to wide mid off for just a single.

16.1: Kaleem Sana to Corey Anderson, Hits the deck hard around middle and this one comes back in sharply off the deck, Corey Anderson is taken by surprise and ends up getting hit high on the pads.

15.6: Nikhil Dutta to Corey Anderson, Slower and shorter around off stump, Corey Anderson rocks back and pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for one.

15.5: Nikhil Dutta to Corey Anderson, Flatter delivery at the stumps, Corey Anderson stays watchful and blocks it off.

Corey Anderson is in at 5. 

15.4: Nikhil Dutta to Andries Gous, OUT! CAUGHT! Straight down the throat of the fielder but maybe a little too late for Canada. Nikhil Dutta tosses this one up very full on the stumps. Andries Gous looks to clear the front leg and power it over long on but isn't quite able to free his arms and ends up hitting it flat down to long on where Aaron Johnson takes a safe catch. Top knock from Gous though.

15.3: Nikhil Dutta to Andries Gous, Nagging length on the stumps, Andries Gous decides to block this one out.

15.2: Nikhil Dutta to Aaron Jones, Flighted delivery, tossed up outside off, Aaron Jones walks across and sweeps it away to deep square leg for a single.

15.1: Nikhil Dutta to Aaron Jones, FOUR! Its just too esy at the moment for Aaron Jones and Andries Gous. Floated up, short and wide outside off, Jones waits and slaps it wide of deep cover for a boundary.

14.6: Kaleem Sana to Aaron Jones, Bowls it full, outside off. Jones eases it through covers and keeps the strike. 

14.5: Kaleem Sana to Andries Gous, Pitched on middle. Gous eases it to long-on for a single.

14.4: Kaleem Sana to Aaron Jones, Full on the middle and leg. Jones hacks it toward deep square leg for one.

14.3: Kaleem Sana to Aaron Jones, FOUR! Edged Away! Low full toss, outside off. Jones goes for the drive but gets an inside edge that rolls past short third for a streaky boundary. 

14.2: Kaleem Sana to Aaron Jones, In the air and dropped! Slower length ball, on off. Jones swings across the line and gets a top edge that flies behind the keeper. Nikhil Dutta runs around but put down a tough chance. 

14.1: Kaleem Sana to Aaron Jones, Wide yorker from Sana. Jones plays and misses.

Kaleem Sana (2-0-18-1) is back into the attack.

13.6: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, FOUR! Streaky but Gous will take it. Pitched full, outside off. Gous swings hard and gets an outside edge that flies away to deep third for a boundary. 33 runs off the over. The game has tilted in USA's favour.

13.5: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, SIX! POWERED AWAY! Back of a length, outside off. Gous hangs back and clubs it over wide long-on for another biggie. 

13.4: Jeremy Gordon to Aaron Jones, Short of a length, around off. Jones pulls it flat toward the long-on region. Ravinderpal Singh, the substitute fielder, does well to get a hand and throws it back into play. Saves five runs for his side. 

13.4: Jeremy Gordon to Aaron Jones, WIDE! The over keeps going from bad to worse for Gordon. Short and down the leg. Jones pulls and misses. A third wide in the over. 

13.3: Jeremy Gordon to Aaron Jones, SIX! CLEAN STRIKE! Jones takes full toll of the free hit. Pitched full and in the slot. Jones smokes it over the widish long-on boundary for his eighth maximum. 

13.3: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, ANOTHER NO BALL! Short of a length, outside off. Gous slaps it to deep cover for one. Another free hit coming up.

13.3: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, Gous gets CAUGHT at the boundary but it is a NO BALL. Length ball, on the middle and leg. Gous hacks it straight into the hands of Bajwa at the deep square leg fielder. The catch is taken but Gordon has overstepped. Free hit coming up. 

13.3: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, WIDE! Canada have lost the plot here. Pitched full, angling down. Gous plays and misses. Another wide. Canada has gone upstairs for the caught behind. The replays show a flat line and the WIDE call stays.

13.2: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, FOUR! Poor ball and gets the treatment! Length ball, down the leg. Gous helps it past the keeper to fine leg region for an easy boundary. Andries Gous gets to his fifty now.  

13.1: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, SIX! WHAT A SHOT! Short of a length, outside off. Gous reaches for it and slaps it aerially over deep extra cover for a biggie. 

13.1: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, WIDE! Short of a length, down the leg. Gous pulls and misses. Wided.

Jeremy Gordon (2-0-11-0) returns.

12.6: Saad Bin Zafar to Aaron Jones, SIX! LAUNCHED! Aaron Jones is on fire at Dallas! Full ball, on the middle and leg. Jones gets low and smashes it over cow corner region for a massive hit. This nearly went out of the stadium. 

12.5: Saad Bin Zafar to Aaron Jones, Slower through the air, around the leg peg. Jones attempts the reverse sweep but gets an inside edge onto the pad. 

12.4: Saad Bin Zafar to Andries Gous, Fired in on the pad. Gous works it to deep square leg for a single.

12.3: Saad Bin Zafar to Aaron Jones, FIFTY FOR Aaron Jones! Drifted on the pad. Jones nudges it through square leg and gets to his fifty in just 22 balls. This looks like game changing knock. 

12.2: Saad Bin Zafar to Aaron Jones, SIX! GOING, GOING, GONEEEEE! Full and quick outside off. Jones gets down on one knee and smokes it powerfully over deep mid-wicket for a 99-metre six. This is some hitting from the USA vice captain. 

12.1: Saad Bin Zafar to Aaron Jones, SIX! SMACKED! Aaron Jones is putting on a real show! Fuller on the middle and leg. Jones advances and hammers it over long-on for a flat six. 

11.6: Pargat Singh to Andries Gous, Fraction short, outside off. Gous cuts it to deep backward point for a brace. 

11.5: Pargat Singh to Aaron Jones, Full and straight at the stumps. Jones mistimes the slog toward deep backward square leg.

11.4: Pargat Singh to Andries Gous, Flatter, outside off. Punched to deep extra cover for one.

11.3: Pargat Singh to Andries Gous, FOUR! Andries Gous gets into the act now! Pitched full, on off. Gous stays deep in the crease and pumps it back over the bowler for a thumping boundary.

11.2: Pargat Singh to Aaron Jones, Tosses it full, around off. Jones heaves it to deep backward square leg for a single.

11.1: Pargat Singh to Aaron Jones, SIX! HIGH AND HANDSOME! Pargat Singh is greeted with a biggie! Tad short, on the middle and leg. Jones rocks back and pulls it powerfully over deep square leg for a maximum. 

10.6: Dilon Heyliger to Aaron Jones, Full delivery on the leg stump, Jones flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

10.5: Dilon Heyliger to Aaron Jones, SIX! OUT OF THE GROUND! This is a monster hit. Short of a good length, around off. Jones picks it early and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket boundary for a 103-meter colossal hit.

10.4: Dilon Heyliger to Andries Gous, Full-length, on the middle and leg. Gous works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

10.3: Dilon Heyliger to Andries Gous, Back of a length, on off. Gous punches into extra cover and looks to take the single. The fielder fumbles as Gous is half way down the pitch. Jones is not intrested and Gous has enough time to get back.

10.2: Dilon Heyliger to Aaron Jones, Full, on the middle and leg. Jones heaves it through mid-wicket for one.

10.1: Dilon Heyliger to Andries Gous, On a length, around off. Gous steers it through point for one.

Time for Drinks! USA are slowly but steadily getting the momentum back in the game. They struggled in the powerplay and lost both their openers but Aaron Jones has come out with positive intent and is striking crisply. He needs to carry on with Gous and take the innings deep for USA to have a chance. Canada, meanwhile, started well with their pace bowlers but the spinners have found it tough with the dew around the outfield. The Canadians will hope to keep taking regular wickets and stem the flow of runs. An exciting chase is upon us. Don't go anywhere! 

9.6: Saad Bin Zafar to Aaron Jones, A dot to end but 14 runs come off that over as well. Flighted delivery, bowled full and following the batter down leg, Aaron Jones makes room but still gets cramped and can't get it away.

9.5: Saad Bin Zafar to Aaron Jones, SIX! Wow, Aaron Jones is really taking the game to the opposition now. Tossed up on middle and leg stump, Jones kips down the track and heaves it over wide long on for another maximum.

9.4: Saad Bin Zafar to Andries Gous, Leg bye! Quicker one on the pads, Andries Gous misses the tickle and gets it off the pads down to short fine leg for a leg bye.

9.3: Saad Bin Zafar to Aaron Jones, On a length and on off stump, just knocked down to long off for a single by Jones.

9.2: Saad Bin Zafar to Aaron Jones, FOUR! Skillful from Aaron Jones and USA are right back in this run chase. Bowled flatter on off stump, Jones brings out the reverse-sweep and nails it over short third for a boundary.

9.1: Saad Bin Zafar to Aaron Jones, Tossed up around off, Aaron Jones uses his feet well and steps out to drive it wide of deep cover for a couple of runs.

8.6: Nikhil Dutta to Aaron Jones, Flighted ball in and around the off stump, played away through covers for a single.

8.5: Nikhil Dutta to Aaron Jones, A bit slower and floated up on the pff stump, this is played out on the off side.

8.4: Nikhil Dutta to Aaron Jones, SIX! BANG! 18 off the over already and there's still two balls to go. Full again and trying to angle it across the right-hander but gets it right in the slot. Aaron Jones goes down on one knee and slog-sweeps it a long way over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

8.4: Nikhil Dutta to Aaron Jones, WIDE! Tries to slide it across the right-hander but spills it beyond the tramline outside off.

8.3: Nikhil Dutta to Andries Gous, Comes from around the wicket and bowls it a bit full on the stumps, this is swept away to deep square leg for one.

8.2: Nikhil Dutta to Andries Gous, Full and quick again around off stump, Andries Gous is late on the big shot and ends up squirting it down to third man for a couple of runs.

8.1: Nikhil Dutta to Andries Gous, SIX! In the slot and put away with ease! Full and quick around off stump, Andries Gous gets under the ball and thumps it straight back over the bowler's head for a maximum.

8.1: Nikhil Dutta to Andries Gous, WIDE! Tries to bowl it quick and outside off but gets it a bit too wide. Free Hit to continue...

8.1: Nikhil Dutta to Andries Gous, No ball! Oh, dear! That is not the start you want as a bowler. Nikhil Dutta comes in to bowl his off-spin but the ball slips out and turns out to be a beamer outside off stump. It is left alone by the batter and a Free Hit will now follow.

7.6: Saad Bin Zafar to Andries Gous, Leg bye! Shortish ball aimed at the legs, Andries Gous misses the flick off the back foot but gets it off the pads to short fine leg for a leg bye.

7.5: Saad Bin Zafar to Andries Gous, Flatter delivery around off stump, Andries Gous can't get it through the the gap at covers.

7.4: Saad Bin Zafar to Aaron Jones, Slides one in on the pads, Aaron Jones nudges it around the corner for a run.

7.3: Saad Bin Zafar to Aaron Jones, Quick and short just outside the off stump, Aaron Jones rocks back to cut but is beaten past the outside edge.

7.2: Saad Bin Zafar to Aaron Jones, Just a bit short and angled into the body, Aaron Jones goes on the back foot and pushes it to the right of the bowler.

7.1: Saad Bin Zafar to Andries Gous, Bowled flatter on off stump, staying a tad low, Andries Gous punches it from the crease to sweeper cover for a single.

6.6: Dilon Heyliger to Andries Gous, Back of a length over off stump, played off the back foot through cover-point for one more.

6.6: Dilon Heyliger to Aaron Jones, TWO WIDES! Banged in a bit around leg stump and angling down leg, the ball is parried by the keeper on the dive and they get an extra run as well.

6.5: Dilon Heyliger to Aaron Jones, Angling down leg! Full and quick around middle and leg, tailing back in, Aaron Jones plays all over the ball and gets hit on the pads.

6.4: Dilon Heyliger to Aaron Jones, That is a beauty! Just short of a giood length over middle stump and nipping away sharply off the deck, Aaron Jones gets pegged back and squared up as the ball whizzes past the outside edge. A huge appeal from the keeper for an outside edge but the umpire says no.

Aaron Johnson is the new batter in.

6.3: Dilon Heyliger to Monank Patel, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Monank Patel is finally put out of his misery and Canada have their second wicket. Dilon Heyliger sees Patel charging down the track and bowls it on a heavy length outside the off stump. The ball nips away a touch as Patel looks to swing across the line and gets a thiuck outside edge that goes into the gloves of Shreyas Movva behind the stumps.

6.2: Dilon Heyliger to Monank Patel, Still, the odd ball continues to trouble Monank Patel. Bowled into the deck over middle stump, this one nips away and bounces a bit extra. Patel looks to lift it up off the front foot but is well beaten.

6.1: Dilon Heyliger to Andries Gous, Pitched up quite full and on the off stump, Andries Gous firmly drives it down to long off and picks up a single.

5.6: Saad Bin Zafar to Andries Gous, Full on off. Gous eases it to long-off for one.

5.5: Saad Bin Zafar to Andries Gous, FOUR! Andries Gous breaks the shackles now! Flatter, outside off. Gous plays it late and cuts it past the backward point fielder and collects a boundary. 

5.4: Saad Bin Zafar to Andries Gous, Tad short, outside off. Gous cuts it to backward point.

5.3: Saad Bin Zafar to Monank Patel, Pitched full, at the stumps. Monank Patel makes room and drives it to extra cover for just a single.

5.2: Saad Bin Zafar to Monank Patel, Arm ball, outside leg. Monank Patel goes back and knocks it to mid-on.

5.1: Saad Bin Zafar to Andries Gous, Drifted on the pad. Gous chips it through mid-wicket for a single.

4.6: Dilon Heyliger to Monank Patel, Full-length, on the middle and leg. Monank Patel looks to flick across the line but gets an inside edge toward backward square leg.

4.5: Dilon Heyliger to Monank Patel, Back of a length, around off. Monank Patel swings across for the pull but fails to connect. 

4.4: Dilon Heyliger to Andries Gous, Good length, on off. Andries Gous strokes into covers for a quick single.

4.3: Dilon Heyliger to Andries Gous, Pitched full, moves away, outside off. Gous swings and misses. 

4.2: Dilon Heyliger to Andries Gous, Short of a length, outside off. Gous cuts and misses.

4.1: Dilon Heyliger to Monank Patel, On a fullish length, around off. Monank Patel lifts it toward the wide long-off region. The fielder gives the chase and stops it just inside. Three runs taken. 

4.1: Dilon Heyliger to Monank Patel, WIDE! On a length, angling across the tramline. Monank Patel cuts and misses. Wide signaled.

Dilon Heyliger comes into the attack now.

3.6: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, Full-length, on off. Gous pushes it toward backward point. An excellent over from Jeremy Gordon. 

3.5: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, Pitched full, at the stumps. Gous chips it aerially toward mid-on. Bajwa charges in from mid-on to take the catch but it lands just short of him. 

3.4: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, FOUR! Easy Pickings! Short of a length, down the leg. Gous gets inside the line and helps it to fine leg region for a boundary. 

3.3: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, Short of a length, shapes away, around off. Gous makes room for the cut but is beaten by the away movement. 

3.2: Jeremy Gordon to Monank Patel, Back of a length, around off. Monank Patel charges down and mistimes the slap to mid-on for just a single.

3.1: Jeremy Gordon to Monank Patel, Peach! Hard-length, on off and moves away a tad. Monank Patel looks to tuck through the leg side but is squared and gets beaten all ends up.

2.6: Kaleem Sana to Monank Patel, Full-length, around off. Monank Patel drives it crisply toward mid-off and a slight misfield allows the single.

2.5: Kaleem Sana to Monank Patel, FOUR! Streaky but Monank Patel will take it. Full and just outside off. Monank Patel goes for the drive but gets an inside edge that runs past the keeper toward fine leg for a boundary.

2.5: Kaleem Sana to Andries Gous, WIDES! Short of a length, angling across the tramline. Gous cuts and misses. The keeper fumbles and allows the batter to take an extra run.

2.4: Kaleem Sana to Monank Patel, Full-length, around off. Monank Patel pushes it toward mid-on for one.

2.3: Kaleem Sana to Monank Patel, FOUR! Up and Away! Kaleem Sana offers too much width and it is gleefully accepted by Monank Patel. This was pitched full, outside off. Monank Patel comes forward and lifts it over point region for a cracking boundary.

2.2: Kaleem Sana to Andries Gous, Back of a length, on off. Gous punches it toward extra cover for one.

2.2: Kaleem Sana to Andries Gous, WIDE! Lands it full, and too wide outside the tramline. Gous lets it go. Wide signaled. He has to reload it.

2.1: Kaleem Sana to Andries Gous, Back of a length, around off. Gous knocks it into covers.

1.6: Jeremy Gordon to Monank Patel, Nearly a return catch! Short of a good length, on off. Monank Patel hops on the backfoot and punches it aerially toward the bowler. Gordon comes forward but the ball just lands in front of him. 

1.5: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, On a fuller length, around off. Gous guides it to deep third for one.

1.4: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, FOUR! Put Away! Short of a good length, outside off. Gous stands tall and cuts it through the point region. This races away to the fence in a flash. 

1.3: Jeremy Gordon to Andries Gous, Hard-length, angling away, around off. Gous pulls and misses. This keeps a touch low.

1.2: Jeremy Gordon to Monank Patel, Back of a length, outside off. Monank Patel runs it down to third man for one.

1.1: Jeremy Gordon to Monank Patel, Short ball, into the surface, around off. Monank Patel pulls and misses. 

0.6: Kaleem Sana to Andries Gous, FOUR! Andries Gous with USA's first-ever boundary in the T20 World Cup and that ends a fascinating first over. Short of a length and dug in a bit over the stumps, Gous rocks back a bit and gets enough on the pull shot to get it in between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary.

0.5: Kaleem Sana to Andries Gous, And again! Full and wide outside off, going on with the angle, Andries Gous leaves it alone and the keeper springs to hiss right to glove it nicely.

0.4: Kaleem Sana to Andries Gous, A bit fuller and wider of the off stump, this one keeps going away with the angle, Andries Gous looks to drive and is beaten well past the outside edge as the ball dies on its way to the keeper. The umpire is having a word with the keeper and skipper of Canada, looks like the keeper was caught speaking a few too many unnecessary words.

0.3: Kaleem Sana to Andries Gous, Pitched up on off stump and this one just nips back in off the deck, Andries Gous stays watchful and defends it under his eyes.

Andries Gous is in at 3.

0.2: Kaleem Sana to Steven Taylor, OUT! LBW! What a start for Kaleem Sana! Sana bowls this a tad short around middle and gets the natural angle into the left-hander. Steven Taylor looks to tuck it away but gets squared up and plays all over the ball. The ball goes on to hit the pads and the finger goes up almost intsantly after the appeal. Steven Taylor has a word with Monank Patel and takes the review. There is nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds as well. The dangerous Taylor departs and Canada have started with a bang!

0.1: Kaleem Sana to Steven Taylor, A bit of shape right away for Kaleem Sana. Starts from over the stumps and bowls it ona  fuller length wide of the off stump, getting it to nip away, Steven Taylor leaves it alone.

We atre back for the all-important run chase! The umpires are back out in the middle as the Canadian players can be seen in a huddle, getting a few last-minute instructions from the coaching staff. It will be skipper, Monank Patel to open the innings for USA alongside the dynamic Steven Taylor. Kaleem Sana to begin proceedings with the ball for Canada. Let's go...

... The Run Chase ...

Right then, the co-hosts need a huge total of 195 to kick off the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup with a win here in Group A. It most certainly won't be an easy task but the pitch looks pristine and they have the firepower to do so. Canada will be on a high after that blistering finish and will be eyeing up early wickets to get a stranglehold on the game. But who comes out on top? Only time will tell. Join us in a bit as the exciting run chase is up next.

Navneet Dhaliwal is down for a quick chat. He says that he is happy with his innings. Adds that it is a high-profile game but they are used to the pressure. Credits Aaron Johnson who always helps as he gives good starts. Mentions that 180-185 is par score here but they need to bowl well. Ends by sharing that the change of pace and variations will help the bowlers.

USA were definitely not at their best but did manage to pull things back a fair bit in the last few overs. However, that last over did cost them a fair bit as Ali Khan went for 21 runs and it will have to be a record run chase for USA if they are to win this game. Harmeet Singh was the pick of the bowlers as he remained fairly economical and Ali too bowled well till that final over. Corey Anderson was used in the latter stages to pick up wickets and he did deliver but he too went the distance and overall, it was a just below par performance with the ball.

What an entertaining first innings that was and eventually, Canada will be very happy to have posted 194 huge runs on the board after being asked to bat first. USA weren't quite as clinical with the ball and would be a touch disappointed with their efforts in the first half. Canada got off to a pretty fast start with the likes of Navneet Dhaliwal and Aaron Johnson raking in the boundaries but after the first wicket, things slowed down a bit and Dhaliwal had to anchor the innings for a while. It was then a partnership between Navneet and Nicholas Kirton that brought the innings back to life with both players scoring half-centuries. However, they lost wickets at the backend and looked like barely crossing 180 runs but an excellent cameo of 32 runs off just 16 balls by Shreyas Movva propelled them to a total above 190.

19.6: Ali Khan to Shreyas Movva, Pitched full, at the stumps. Movva drills it past the bowler toward long-off and scampers back for the second. Canada finish on an excellent score of 194 for 5. 

19.5: Ali Khan to Shreyas Movva, SIX! WHAT A SHOT! Slower and shorter in length, outside off. Movva makes room and slaps it hard over the wide long-off boundary for half a dozen. 

19.4: Ali Khan to Shreyas Movva, FOUR! SLAMMED! Pitched full, in the slot. Movva stays deep in the crease and gets the bottom hand into play. He lifts it down the ground toward long-on. One bounce and over the ropes. 

19.4: Ali Khan to Shreyas Movva, WIDE! Bangs it short and down the leg. Movva pulls and misses. Wided.

19.3: Ali Khan to Dilon Heyliger, Back of a length, around off. Heylinger miscues the pull toward long-on for a single.

19.2: Ali Khan to Shreyas Movva, Full-length, on the pad. Movva flicks it through backward square leg for one.

19.1: Ali Khan to Shreyas Movva, SIX! BANG! Pitched full, on off. Movva lifts it over long-off for a clean hit. 

Dilon Heyliger is the new man in.

18.6: Corey Anderson to Dilpreet Bajwa, OUT! RUN OUT! Pitched full, on the middle and leg. Bajwa works it toward the deep mid-wicket region and tries to take the second. A flat throw comes in from Steven Taylor in the deep and Bajwa is short of his crease. He puts in the dive but Monank Patel was quick to take the bails. Canada are five down!

18.5: Corey Anderson to Dilpreet Bajwa, Full-length, outside off. Bajwa goes for the reverse ramp but fails to connect.

18.4: Corey Anderson to Dilpreet Bajwa, SIX! OUT OF THE PARK! Short ball, on off. Bajwa hangs back and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket boundary for a massive hit.

18.3: Corey Anderson to Dilpreet Bajwa, FOUR! Put Away! Short of a length delivery, outside off. Bajwa gets across and pulls it toward the long-leg region for a much-needed boundary.

18.2: Corey Anderson to Shreyas Movva, Pitched full, around off. Movva lifts it toward long-off for one.

18.1: Corey Anderson to Shreyas Movva, In the air and safe! Slower and shorter, around off. Movva gets across and pulls it toward the deep backward square leg region. Gous runs back for the catch but the ball goes out of his reach.

17.6: Ali Khan to Dilpreet Bajwa, Sharp short ball, around off. Bajwa plays and misses. Top over from Ali Khan.

Dilpreet Bajwa is the new man in.

17.5: Ali Khan to Nicholas Kirton, OUT! CAUGHT! Ali Khan strikes! Yorker length delivery, just outside off. Kirton goes deep in the crease and looks to lift it over the extra cover fielder. He fails to do so and is taken in the circle by Corey Anderson. Kirton departs for a well-made 51. Canada are four down!

17.4: Ali Khan to Shreyas Movva, LEG BYE! Full-length, just outside leg. Movva makes room to flick across the line but misses and the ball rolls off the pad toward point for a leg bye.

17.4: Ali Khan to Shreyas Movva, WIDE! Short ball, outside the tramline. Movva gets across for the reverse ramp but does not connect. The umpire signals it a wide.

17.3: Ali Khan to Nicholas Kirton, Full-length, outside off. Kirton slices it to deep backward point for one.

17.2: Ali Khan to Nicholas Kirton, Pitched full, just outside off. Kirton looks to play the reverse ramp but does not connect.

17.1: Ali Khan to Shreyas Movva, Yorker on off. Movva bunts it to mid-off for a single.

16.6: Corey Anderson to Nicholas Kirton, FIFTY FOR KIRTON! Slower and shorter, around off. Kirton swivels and pulls it through backward square leg for two more. 

16.5: Corey Anderson to Nicholas Kirton, Bangs it short, around the right shoulder. Kirton ducks and lets it go. 

16.4: Corey Anderson to Nicholas Kirton, Pace-off, on a shortish length, around off. Kirton swats it toward widish long-on region as the keeper takes it on the bounce. Two runs taken.

16.3: Corey Anderson to Shreyas Movva, Full and straight at the stumps. Movva lifts it off the toe end and it goes on the bounce to long-on fielder for a single.

16.2: Corey Anderson to Shreyas Movva, Pitched full, outside off. Movva charges down the pitch. Has a wild swing but fails to connect.

16.1: Corey Anderson to Nicholas Kirton, Short of a length, down the leg. Kirton pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.

15.6: Jessy Singh to Shreyas Movva, FOUR! Inventive from Movva and nicely done! Slower and fuller, around off. Movva gets across and ramps it past the keeper and short fine leg fielder for a boundary to end the over.

15.5: Jessy Singh to Nicholas Kirton, Back of a length again, on the middle and leg. Kirton nudges it round the corner for one.

15.4: Jessy Singh to Nicholas Kirton, FOUR! DISPATCHED! Back of a length, outside off. Kirton hangs back and cuts it through the backward point region for a majestic boundary. 

15.3: Jessy Singh to Shreyas Movva, Back of a length, on off. Movva mistimes the pull toward long-on for a single.

15.2: Jessy Singh to Nicholas Kirton, Pitched full, at the stumps. Kirton flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

15.1: Jessy Singh to Shreyas Movva, Good length, angling into the middle and leg. Movva works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

14.6: Corey Anderson to Shreyas Movva, Good length and around off, hit away through point for one more.

14.5: Corey Anderson to Nicholas Kirton, Back of a length and outside off, steered away behind point for a single.

14.4: Corey Anderson to Nicholas Kirton, That was a fine effort from Corey Anderson but Shreyas Movva saves himself with the dive. Good length around middle and leg, Nicholas Kirton tucks it away neatly towards mid-wicket and calls for two. Corey Anderson goes after it, slides in and throws the ball back onto the stumps at the bowler's end with just one stump to aim at. The third umpire checks the replays and fiunds that Movva was well in.

14.3: Corey Anderson to Nicholas Kirton, FOUR! Down the wrong line and it rolls away to the fence. The attempted short ball at the body but it goes down leg, Nicholas Kirton gloves it fine of short fine leg and picks up another boundary.

14.2: Corey Anderson to Shreyas Movva, Slower again, on a good length and around off, Shreyas Movva waits well and works it leg side for a single.

Shreyas Movva is in at 5.

14.1: Corey Anderson to Navneet Dhaliwal, OUT! CAUGHT! Instant impact from Corey Anderson as he picks up a wicket off the first ball in his first T20 World Cup game for his new side. Corey comes from around the stumps and floats this one up on a fuller length outside the off stump. There's not much pace on the ball and Navneet Dhaliwal has to generate pace of his own as he looks to go over long off. The timing isn't there and the ball flies down to long off where Jessy Singh takes a good catch. End of a fine knock from Navneet though.

Corey Anderson comes into the attack now.

13.6: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Nicholas Kirton, Well-fielded in the end. Length and around off stump, Nicholas Kirton just runs the ball fine of deep third and picks up a couple of runs as the fielder in the deep dives across and saves the boundary.

13.5: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Nicholas Kirton, On the stumps, this is heaved away into the gap at deep mid-wicket for a couple of easy runs.

13.4: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Nicholas Kirton, FOUR! That is some shot! Good length in and around the off stump, Nicholas Kirton plays it off the front foot and hammers it straight down the ground for a boundary and Kirton even holds the pose afterwards.

13.3: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Nicholas Kirton, SIX! Picked-up and dispatched with ease! Slower one, trying to bowl it full and wide but it tuns out to be a dipping full toss. Nicholas Kirton manages to get under it and lifts it over covers for a maximum.

13.2: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Navneet Dhaliwal, On a good length around middle and angling back in, Navneet Dhaliwal flicks it away throhgh mid-wicket for one more.

13.1: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Nicholas Kirton, Slower one, bowled into the pitch and around off stump, Nicholas Kirton plays it off the back foot and through extra cover for a single.

12.6: Harmeet Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, FOUR! This is brilliant batting from Navneet Dhaliwal. Tossed up outside off stump, Navneet steps out and backs away before smashing it away through covers for yet another boundary.

12.5: Harmeet Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, FOUR! Belted down the ground! Looks to fire it in at the batter, Navneet Dhaliwal stays leg side of the ball and flat-bats it to the left of long on for a boundary.

12.4: Harmeet Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Close but not close enough! Nicely bowled once again by Harmeet Singh as he flights it up around off stump and on a nagging length, trying to slide it in. Navneet Dhaliwal looks for the hard sweep but is beaten and Monank Patel is quick to whip off the bails. The third umpire is called in and the replays show that Navneet just dragged his foot back in.

12.3: Harmeet Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Fired in full at the batter, Navneet Dhaliwal steps out and hits it into the ground and right back at the bowler.

12.2: Harmeet Singh to Nicholas Kirton, This is bowled flatter and on the leg stump, Nicholas Kirton stays in his crease before flicking it away past square leg for a run.

12.1: Harmeet Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicely bowled! Tossed up, a bit full and well wide of the off stump, Navneet Dhaliwal has to reach out and ends up playing at it early. The ball goes uppishly through cover-point for a single.

Harmeet Singh (3-0-17-1) returns for his final over.

11.6: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Navneet Dhaliwal, Takes pace off again and bowls it a bit shorter around off stump, Navneet Dhaliwal plays it out on the off side for another single.

11.5: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Nicholas Kirton, Back of a length and outside off stump, played off the back foot and past point for one more.

11.4: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Navneet Dhaliwal, FIFTY for Navneet Dhaliwal on his T20 World Cup debut! A stellar knock to kick off the tournament but he will know that there's still a bit to do. Banged in short and around off, Navneet reaches out and lifts it over cover-point for a single.

11.3: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Navneet Dhaliwal, SIX! Hit hard and flat and all the way for a maximum. This is bowled on a length around off and middle, Navneet Dhaliwal makes a bit of room and hammers it to the right of long off for a maximum.

11.2: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Nicholas Kirton, Good length on the stumps, punched away towards mid off for a run.

11.1: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Nicholas Kirton, Sloppy in the field and the batters get an extra run. Slower delivery, a bit fuller and on the legs, Nicholas Kirton nudges it around the corner to short fine leg where Ali Khan misfields and allows the batters an extra run.

10.6: Saurabh Netravalkar to Navneet Dhaliwal, Hard length again, over off and straightening a bit, Navneet Dhaliwal gets right behind the line and blocks it out.

10.5: Saurabh Netravalkar to Nicholas Kirton, Hard length in the channel around off, swatted away down to wide long on for a single.

10.4: Saurabh Netravalkar to Navneet Dhaliwal, Another slower one, a bit fuller and on the legs, Navneet Dhaliwal tucks it into the gap at mid-wicket and looks for a brace but has to settle for the single.

10.3: Saurabh Netravalkar to Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicely done! Full and angled in at the stumps, Navneet Dhaliwal backs away and strokes it inside-out over extra cover for a couple of runs.

10.2: Saurabh Netravalkar to Navneet Dhaliwal, A cross-seamer this time, bowled from around the stumps and bowled slower too at the stumps, Navneet Dhaliwal blocks it with a straight bat.

10.1: Saurabh Netravalkar to Nicholas Kirton, On a good length and on off stump, angling in, Nicholas Kirton with a stylish flick through square leg for a single.

Drinks break! Right then, the first 10 overs of the first innings are done and Canada seem to be in a good position with the bat and Navneet Dhaliwal now holds the key for them With 8 wickets still in hand, Canada will look to accelerate in the second half of the innings. USA have bowled well in patches but do need a couple of wickets or so on the bounce to really make a dent in the opposition's batting lineup. An exciting 10 overs beckon, so, let's get right back into the action.

9.6: Steven Taylor to Navneet Dhaliwal, Quicker length ball, on off. Dhaliwal punches it back at the bowler.

9.5: Steven Taylor to Nicholas Kirton, Slower through the air, around off. Kirton dabs it to short third for one.

9.4: Steven Taylor to Navneet Dhaliwal, Flatter and quicker on the middle and leg. Dhaliwal knocks it to long-on for a single.

9.3: Steven Taylor to Navneet Dhaliwal, SIX! BOOM! Dhaliwal goes long and into the stands! Tossed up on off. Dhaliwal swings hard and powers it over long-on for a 82-meter hit. 

9.2: Steven Taylor to Nicholas Kirton, Tad short, outside off. Kirton cuts it through cover-point for a single.

9.1: Steven Taylor to Nicholas Kirton, SIX! Easy Pickings! A juicy full toss, around off. Kirton backs away and deposits it over the deep point boundary for a biggie. 

8.6: Harmeet Singh to Nicholas Kirton, Flatter, around off. Kirton cuts it toward wide of long-off for a single.

8.5: Harmeet Singh to Nicholas Kirton, Flighted, on off. Kirton pushes it back at the bowler.

8.4: Harmeet Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Pitched full, outside off. Dhaliwal advances and drills it to the sweeper cover for one.

8.3: Harmeet Singh to Nicholas Kirton, Full on the middle and leg. Kirton works it through mid-wicket for a single.

8.2: Harmeet Singh to Nicholas Kirton, Tosses it on a length, around off. Kirton plays and misses.

8.1: Harmeet Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Tad short, around off. Dhaliwal guides it toward short third region and takes a quick run.

Nicholas Kirton is the new man in.

7.6: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Pargat Singh, OUT! RUN OUT! Good length, angling on the leg peg. Pargat Singh works it toward the deep backward square leg region and calls for a couple. The throw comes in from the deep as Monank Patel quickly collects it and the bails are gone in a flash. Pargat Singh is short of his crease. Canada lose their second wicket.

Is that a run out? That seemed like a bullet throw from the deep and the keeper, Monank Patel was quick to whip off the bails. The umpires have gone upstairs. The replays roll in and we can see that even after putting in the dive, Pargat Singh is short of his crease. OUT comes up on the screen!

7.5: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Pargat Singh, Good length, outside off. Keeps a tad low as Pargat Singh plays and misses on it.

7.4: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Pargat Singh, Back of a length, angling down the leg. Pargat Singh tucks it round the corner and takes a brace.

7.3: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Navneet Dhaliwal, Good length, angling into the middle and leg. Dhaliwal turns it through mid-wicket for a single.

7.2: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Pargat Singh, Full-length, around off. Pargat Singh knocks it through covers for a single.

7.1: Shadley van Schalkwyk to Navneet Dhaliwal, Pace-off, on a fullish length, around off. Dhaliwal eases it through point for one.

6.6: Jessy Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Keeps it on a length, around off. Dhaliwal steers it through point for one.

6.5: Jessy Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, FOUR MORE! THRASHED! Good length, on off. Dhaliwal advances and lifts it over the mid-off and extra cover region for a crushing boundary. 

6.4: Jessy Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, On a length, on off. Dhaliwal stokes it to mid-off.

6.3: Jessy Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, FOUR! CRUNCHED! On a length, outside off. Dhaliwal thrashes it through backward point for a boundary.

6.2: Jessy Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Good length, on off. Dhaliwal prods forward and defends.

6.1: Jessy Singh to Pargat Singh, LEG BYE! Back of a length, angling into the middle and leg stump line. Pargat Singh is on the backfoot and looks to defend but is hit on the pad. The ball rolls off the pad toward backward point. Jessy Singh has a word with his skipper and decides to review it. The ball tacking shows wickets missing. Pargat Singh survives.

A pretty big shout for LBW butr it is turned down. USA skipper, Monank Patel has a chat with the bowler and takes the review. The third umpire checks UltraEdge first and finds that there's no bat involved. Ball Tracking comes up with the wickets as missing and the on0field decision of NOT OUT stands. USA lose a review as well.

5.6: Harmeet Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, SIX! BOOM! Tossed up, around off. Dhaliwal comes down the pitch and goes inside out over the deep extra cover fence for a flat six.

5.5: Harmeet Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Flat on off. Dhaliwal stabs it to point.

5.4: Harmeet Singh to Pargat Singh, In the air but safe! Tossed up, around off. Pargat Singh advances and lifts it toward the long-off region. The fielder in the deep runs around but fails to take the catch. Single taken.

5.3: Harmeet Singh to Pargat Singh, Tossed up on off. Pargat Singh prods and defends. 

5.2: Harmeet Singh to Aaron Johnson, OUT! CAUGHT! Harmeet Singh draws first blood! Tad shorter and slower through the air, around off. Johnson goes back and looks to clear the boundary but fails to get the desired connection and holes out to Nitish Kumar at the long-off boundary. A quick cameo from Johnson comes to an end. Also, Pargat Singh walks out to bat at number 3.

5.1: Harmeet Singh to Aaron Johnson, Pitched full, on off. Johnson plays across the line but misses and is hit on the pad. A loud appeal but the umpire was not interested.

4.6: Jessy Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Pitched full, on off. Johnson plays across the line but misses and is hit on the pad. A loud appeal but the umpire was not interested.

4.5: Jessy Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Hard length around the top of off stump, Navneet Dhaliwal stays leg side of the ball and looks to smash it on the off side but gets an inside edge that goes past the stumps and towards short fine leg.

4.4: Jessy Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Fuller in length and angled into the pads, Navneet Dhaliwal clears the front leg and heaves the ball away in front of deep mid-wicket for a couple of easy runs.

4.3: Jessy Singh to Aaron Johnson, Short of a good length and outside off stump, Aaron Johnson plays it off the splice of the bat and gets it wide of third man for a single.

4.2: Jessy Singh to Aaron Johnson, This one is pitched up on off and middle, Aaron Johnson with a flowy straight drive, hits it hard but straight to mid off.

4.1: Jessy Singh to Aaron Johnson, Starts from over the stumps and bowls it on a hard length around the off stump. This one angles in and Aaron Johnson stays put while looking to pull but he misses.

3.6: Harmeet Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Excellent fielding! Shorter in length and outside off, cut away firmly off the back foot but Steven Taylor at point dives across to his right and makes a fine stop.

3.5: Harmeet Singh to Aaron Johnson, Good hustle from the batters! Flatter one angled in on the legs, Aaron Johnson just tucks it towards mid-wicket and sets off for the quick single.

3.4: Harmeet Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Fuller one at the stumps, Navneet Dhaliwal comes down the pitch and drills it down to long off for a single.

3.3: Harmeet Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Bowled flatter and at the stumps, Navneet Dhaliwal keeps it out.

3.2: Harmeet Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, FOUR! That is pure class from Navneet Dhaliwal. Fractionally short around off, Navneet rocks back and makes a bit of room before punching it through covers for a boundary.

3.1: Harmeet Singh to Navneet Dhaliwal, Starts from over the stumps and fires it in at the stumps, Navneet Dhaliwal uses his feet to come down the potych and just plays it away to the left of the bowler.

2.6: Ali Khan to Aaron Johnson, Hard length over off and middle, Aaron Johnson watchfully defends it out.

2.5: Ali Khan to Aaron Johnson, FOUR! This is a rollicking start for Canada and Aaron Johnson has come out all guns blazing. Good length but on the pads, Johnson manages to just tickle it fine of short fine leg and picks up yet another boundary.

2.4: Ali Khan to Aaron Johnson, FOUR! Smacked away to the fence! Scarmbled-seam delivery and outside off, too much width on offer and Aaron Johnson just hammers it flat over the cover region for another boundary.

2.3: Ali Khan to Aaron Johnson, FOUR LEG BYES! Oh, that has gone right off the helmet! A quick short ball from Ali Khan, well-directed and coming in at a difficult height as well. Aaron Johnson is beaten for pace as he tries to pull and the ball flies off the helmet over short third for a boundary. That must have woken Johnson up and a mandatory concussion check will now follow.

2.2: Ali Khan to Aaron Johnson, FOUR! That has sped to the fence! A bit full around the off stump, Aaron Johnson uses the bottom hand to heave it away and the ball goes off the inner half of the bat through wide mid on for a boundary.

2.1: Ali Khan to Navneet Dhaliwal, Leg bye! Just a tad short and angled into the body, Navneet Dhaliwal gets cramped for room and gets it off the pads past square leg for a leg bye.

1.6: Saurabh Netravalkar to Aaron Johnson, FOUR! Edged away! Nagging length outside off stump and angling in, Aaron Johnson gets on the front foot and gets an outside edge that goes down wide of short third and rolls away into the fence.

1.5: Saurabh Netravalkar to Navneet Dhaliwal, Chyanges the angle by coming from around the stumps and slides one in on a good length from outside off stump. Navneet Dhaliwal punches it square to deep point and rotates the strike here.

1.4: Saurabh Netravalkar to Aaron Johnson, Fractionally short and on the pads, Aaron Johnson just nudges it down to fine leg for a single.

1.3: Saurabh Netravalkar to Navneet Dhaliwal, Risky single but well done in the end. Pitched up full on off stump, Navneet Dhaliwal plays it to the right of mid off and sets off for the single. The fielder there misses the direct hit at the bowler's end but Navneet was safely in.

1.2: Saurabh Netravalkar to Navneet Dhaliwal, FOUR! Lovely timing on that one! A bit full again but wide of the off stump, Navneet Dhaliwal uses the angle and just caresses it away through cover-point for a boundary.

1.1: Saurabh Netravalkar to Navneet Dhaliwal, Begins from over the stumps and bowls it a tad fuller, angling it across the off stump, Navneet Dhaliwal stays in the crease and watchfully plays it out on the off side.

Saurabh Netravalkar will share the attack.

0.6: Ali Khan to Navneet Dhaliwal, A single to end and 6 runs come off the first over! Short ball over middle stump, Navneet Dhaliwal is rushed on the pull and mistimes it in front of mid-wicket for a quick single.

0.5: Ali Khan to Navneet Dhaliwal, Nice and full around off stump, Navneet Dhaliwal lets the ball come onto the bat and punches it straight to mid off.

0.4: Ali Khan to Navneet Dhaliwal, On a good length and outside off, the slingy action taking the ball away from the right-hander. Navneet Dhaliwal doesn't move his feet and has a poke at it but the ball beats the outside edge.

0.3: Ali Khan to Aaron Johnson, Leg bye! Short of a good length around middle and angling down leg, Aaron Johnson misses the flick and the ball goes off the pads behind square leg. They pick up a leg bye.

0.2: Ali Khan to Aaron Johnson, Shortens the length right away and bangs it into the deck over the stumps, Aaron Johnson looks to pull the ball away bit misses and takes a blow on the body.

0.1: Ali Khan to Aaron Johnson, FOUR! What a start to the tournament and Aaron Johnson is off the mark with a lovely shot. This is pitched up around the off stump, Johnson stays on the front foot and hammers the drive on the up through the narrow gap at covers for a boundary.

Done with the pre-match formalities and it is now time to play! The two umpires are out in the middle and the players of USA have taken their positions on the field. It will be the pair of Navneet Dhaliwal and Aaron Johnson to open the innings for Canada. Ali Khan has been handed the new ball and he is raring to go. Let's play... A bit of a delayed start as there an issue with the sightscreen.

We are just a few minutes away from the start of the match but first, the two sets of players make their way through the smoke and onto the field to lineup for their respective national anthems. It will be the national of Canada first followed by the national anthem of USA.

With the first game of the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup about to get underway, the opening ceremony has begun and it really is a festival of cricket out there on the ground. This is basically the oldest rivalry in international cricket with the first match between USA and Canada dating back to 1844 and what an occasion this is as they meet in a major tournament for the first time in 180 years.

PITCH REPORT - Natalie Germanos is pitchside. She says that the outfield seems excellent despite all the rain. Adds that the boundaries are 61 meters on one side of the square and 70 meters on the other with 73 meters straight. Sunil Gavaskar joins her and says that the grass covering is a lot less but there will be carry for the pacers and the batters will like batting on it too.

Canada's skipper, Saad Bin Zafar says that the surface looks really good and they don't mind batting first and putting runs on the board. Adds that they have a full squad and this is the first time they are playing the T20 World Cup and are very excited.

Monank Patel, the skipper of USA shares that it’s a fresh wicket and will help the bowlers initially. Adds that they want to chase and be aware of the target. Mentions that the players have made a lot of sacrifices to reach this far and it’s a great feeling to be part of the home World Cup. Ends by saying that the team hopes to do well.

Canada (Playing XI) - Aaron Johnson, Navneet Dhaliwal, Pargat Singh, Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva (WK), Dilpreet Bajwa, Saad Bin Zafar (C), Dilon Heyliger, Nikhil Dutta, Kaleem Sana, Jeremy Gordon.

USA (Playing XI) - Steven Taylor, Monank Patel (C/WK), Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Nitish Kumar, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Jessy Singh, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan.

TOSS - USA win the toss and they will BOWL first.