USA slams Canada in T20 World Cup opener
America: Meet Aaron Jones.
Jones put on a show Saturday night as the United States defeated Canada in the opening match of the T20 World Cup in Grand Prairie, Texas. Jones, born in Queens, New York, hit 10 sixes as the Americans successfully chased Canada, scoring 197 runs and winning by seven wickets.
Canada came in as underdogs and had an impressive innings, batting first and scoring 194 runs with five wickets in a solid offensive display. It was paced by Navneet Dhaliwal and Nicholas Kirton. Dhaliwal scored 61 runs off 44 balls while Kirton blazed to 51 off only 31 balls before being caught out.
The Americans, who won the toss, were in for a tough chase and their innings began in horrific fashion: Steven Taylor went for a duck (which means he didn't score a single run), out by LBW on the first over's second ball. Skipper Monank Patel followed him off after scoring only 16 runs off 16 balls. Canada was in control through 10 overs.
Jones changed the game. He came in and hit six after six after six, repeatedly clearing the grounds and forcing the umpires to bring in a new set of balls. He finished the match with 94 runs off 40 balls - and ended the game with a six for good measure. In baseball terms: Jones walked it off.
The U.S. partnership of Jones and Andries Gous (65 off 46) scored 141 runs, completely dominating overs 11-16; the broadcast called the batting display "absolute carnage." Canada hurt itself by allowing 19 extras and by fielding poorly. Jeremy Gordon in particular struggled bowling, allowing 44 runs in three overs.
America next plays Pakistan on Thursday. Canada will face Ireland in New York on Friday.