Shehan Jayasuriya, who had once a bright career as a former Sri Lankan all-rounder, is now going through a homecoming but in a different way, since he has decided to represent the United States national team for the forthcoming Cricket World Cup. This already controversial decision marks a significant new chapter in the life of the 34-year-old as well as being the unmasking of the gradually increasing USA cricket ambitions on the international scale.

The American team is expected to play a series of five T20 matches as part of the group’s final preparations for the tournament. This will be the setting for Jayasuriya’s first major competition against top-quality opposition since being granted his call-up. The inclusion has been the subject of extensive speculation; however, the USA Cricket Board has not yet confirmed the final World Cup roster, despite it being widely reported.

Jayasuriya's first steps in cricket were taken at Prince of Wales' College in Moratuwa, from where he moved up through the ranks of Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket. Between 2015 and 2020, he played for the Sri Lankan national cricket team, participating in 12 ODIs and 18 T20Is. He was a naturally aggressive left-handed batter who could also spin the ball. He made 195 runs in ODI batting in 10 innings and scored 241 runs in T20I batting in 16 innings, usually with his runs coming in crucial situations.

ALSO SEE: Bangladesh announce 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Shehan Jayasuriya boosts USA’s World Cup squad with experience and depth

Jayasuriya’s domestic cricket career at the national level was a spectacular one; he made up 13 hundreds and 32 fifties at a rate of 145 innings from 87 matches. After the end of his Sri Lankan cricket association, he went to the US where he played in the best domestic leagues and finally got a chance to play for the US national team as per ICC guidelines.

His being part of the team is thought to considerably fortify the USA squad's middle order and bowling options. Apart from the statistics, Jayasuriya contributes to the team through his huge international experience, tactical insight, and leadership, all of which are great assets to a World Cup setting. Moreover, he is considered as a mentor for the younger players in the team.

A one-time international player from Sri Lanka being part of the USA cricket team points to the slow but steady growth of the sport in the US and also shows the team's desire to play at the top. The crowd will be looking forward to knowing how the professionalism and age of Jayasuriya will be reflected on the global front as impact.

Former Sri Lanka fast bowler Dhammika Prasad has been appointed as the fast bowling coach and assistant coach of the United States men’s national cricket team ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026.

A product of De Mazenod College, Kandana, Prasad later joined Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) as a right-arm fast-medium bowler and went on to enjoy a highly productive domestic career. He claimed an impressive 351 first-class wickets in 131 matches, underlining his consistency and durability at the highest level of domestic cricket.

Experience boost for USA ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup

At the international stage, Prasad represented Sri Lanka in 25 Tests, 24 ODIs and one T20 International between 2006 and 2015. He picked up 75 Test wickets, with best figures of 5 for 50, and added 32 wickets in ODIs. Known for his ability to strike early with the new ball, Prasad played pivotal roles in several memorable series wins, most notably Sri Lanka’s historic Test series triumph in England in 2014.

ALSO SEE: 5 major international cricketing events to look forward to in 2026 ft. Men's T20 World Cup

After announcing his retirement from international cricket in 2021, Prasad transitioned smoothly into coaching. He has since built a solid résumé, working as a bowling coach and consultant across different international setups, including a stint as Nepal’s fast bowling coach. At 42, his new role with USA Cricket will see him work closely with the American pacers to refine their skills and enhance tactical awareness ahead of cricket’s biggest global event.

The USA enter the 2026 T20 World Cup with growing belief after their breakthrough campaign in 2024, where they reached the Super 8 stage and famously defeated Pakistan in a Super Over. Placed in a challenging Group A alongside defending champions India, Pakistan, Namibia and the Netherlands, the Americans will begin their campaign against India on the opening day - a true test of how far this emerging side has come.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the global winners of the 2024 ICC Development Awards, recognising outstanding contributions by its Associate Members. With cricket expanding far beyond its traditional powerhouses, the awards celebrate excellence in grassroots growth, gender inclusion, digital outreach, and social impact.

This year, eight Associate nations, Namibia, Bhutan, Indonesia, Nepal, Scotland, Tanzania, USA, and Vanuatu emerged as global winners across seven revamped categories, including the debut of the ICC X Rexona criiio Festival of the Year.

Namibia: Development Initiative of the Year

Namibia once again demonstrated its development strength, winning Development Initiative of the Year for its Ashburton Kwata Mini-Cricket Programme. A flagship initiative now embedded into physical education classes across public schools, the programme has introduced cricket to tens of thousands of children across 14 regions. The initiative has become a model for sustainable grassroots growth in emerging nations.

Bhutan & Vanuatu: Female Cricket Initiative of the Year

This year saw two winners share the spotlight in the Female Cricket Initiative of the Year category. Bhutan Cricket Council Board was honoured for its Inter-School Girls’ Competition. Using modified formats and starting with tennis ball cricket, the competition has brought thousands of new girls into the sport, many of them first-time players.

Vanuatu Cricket Association received recognition for its unique “Picking Wickets” programme. Combining seasonal work in Australia with remote coaching, the initiative allowed players to stay connected to cricket while earning income abroad.

USA: Men’s Team Performance of the Year

One of the standout stories of the year came from USA Cricket, which claimed Men’s Team Performance of the Year after a historic run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Their Super Eight qualification and unforgettable victory over Pakistan caught the imagination of the global cricketing community and helped popularise the sport in a major non-traditional market.

ALSO SEE: Zimbabwe to host Africa Regional Final for 2026 T20 World Cup Qualification

Scotland: Women’s Team Performance of the Year

Scotland lifted the Women’s Team Performance of the Year award, having qualified for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time. Led by inspirational captain Kathryn Bryce, who was named Player of the Tournament during the qualifiers, Scotland’s qualification has sparked growing interest in women’s cricket back home.

Nepal: Digital Fan Engagement of the Year

Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) took home the Digital Fan Engagement of the Year award after an impressive rise in online presence. Their strategic use of Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), plus the launch of the CAN Domestic account, resulted in:

• Over 117 million total reach
  
• More than 420,000 new followers
  
• 2.13 million hours of YouTube watch time
  
• 13.4 million minutes of Facebook video views
  

These numbers reflect Nepal’s growing cricket-mad fanbase and the effectiveness of their digital strategy.

Indonesia: Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative

Indonesia won the Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year for its "Cricket for Confidence" programme, which empowered over 300 rural schoolgirls in remote provinces. Many participants had never experienced structured sports before. The initiative broke ground socially, geographically, and culturally, truly embodying the spirit of cricket for development.

Tanzania: ICC X Rexona criiio Festival of the Year

A new category this year, the ICC X Rexona criiio Festival of the Year, was claimed by the Tanzania Cricket Association for their “From Kitchen to Crease” festival. Hosted in Dar es Salaam, the event united 120 women, including housewives and professionals, for a day of cricket, sisterhood, and empowerment. The programme has left a lasting impact on women’s participation in Tanzania.

Celebrating Growth and Passion

Commenting on the winners, ICC Chair Jay Shah said: “This is a celebration of global exceptionalism, with all winners worthy of the accolades they have received in their mission to grow the game. These awards spotlight the remarkable stories of growth taking place around the world.”

With powerful stories from all corners of the globe, the 2024 ICC Development Awards show that cricket’s heartbeat is stronger than ever, not just at the elite level, but in communities where the game is becoming a force for change.

The Zimbabwe Women's cricket team is on a historic tour of the United States of America, with the two countries playing their first-ever bilateral series. The thrilling tour from April 25 to May 3, 2025, features three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and two One Day Internationals (ODIs), providing an exciting chance for fans in North America to watch international women's cricket.

ALSO SEE: Kalahari Women’s T20I 2025 – Live Streaming Details & where to watch

Zimbabwe Women's Tour of USA 2025: Full Schedule

T20I Series

• 1st T20I: April 25, 2025 – Zimbabwe Women won by 28 runs
• 2nd T20I: April 27, 2025 – Scheduled for today, and will be held shortly
• 3rd T20I: April 29, 2025

ODI Series

• 1st ODI: May 1, 2025
• 2nd ODI: May 3, 2025

All the matches are being held at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

Recent Match Results 

1st T20I

In the 1st T20I, played on April 25, 2025, the Zimbabwe Women won a 28-run match against the USA Women. The strong batting of Zimbabwe, led by seasoned players such as Josephine Nkomo, and good bowling ensured that they secured an important 1-0 lead in the series.

2nd T20I (27th April, 2025)

The 2nd T20I will be played today, April 27, 2025, and will be a short while away. Both sides will seek to dominate this match as they head into the remaining games in the series. The 2nd T20I will be a crucial match, determining who has the advantage going into the third T20I to be played on April 29.

Zimbabwe Women's Tour of USA 2025: Key Players to Watch out for

Both sides have some top players who will be instrumental in determining the series. Here are the key players to watch out for:

Zimbabwe Women

Josephine Nkomo: A talented all-rounder with immense experience, Josephine Nkomo will play a vital role for Zimbabwe in both the batting and bowling departments.

Modester Mupachikwa: A talented wicketkeeper and batter, Modester Mupachikwa is renowned for her capability to anchor the innings and her excellent reflexes at the stumps. She is one of the most important Zimbabwean players in the middle order.

USA Women

Aditiba Chudasama (Captain): Aditiba Chudasama, the USA Women's team captain, is a seasoned all-rounder with known tact. Chudasama will play a pivotal role in guiding her team and being balanced through her performances with bat and ball.

Chetna Pagydyala: One of the USA's most explosive hitters, Chetna Pagydyala can flip a game around within a few overs. Her attacking nature of play and her capability to speed up the scoring will play a key role in the success of the USA Women's team in the series.

The Zimbabwe Women's tour of USA 2025 will provide competitive cricket, thrilling performances, and new rivalries. Both sides are ready for a series that will shape their trajectories towards future global tournaments.

From April 25 to May 3, 2025, the Zimbabwe Women’s cricket team will begin an important tour of the United States. The tour consists of three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and two One Day Internationals (ODIs), and it allows both teams to prepare for their global qualifying tournaments. This tour is historic for both sides. It establishes another milestone in Zimbabwe women’s cricket journey and gives both teams meaningful international exposure as they prepare for a major event on the global stage.
For Zimbabwe, it offers them a chance to build momentum and, more importantly, continue their development. For the USA Women’s team, it is an opportunity to showcase how cricket is rapidly developing in America. Hosting a series of this magnitude is a testament to the growth of the sport in America and shows that the players are getting valuable experience against a competitive side. Both teams are eager to leave a strong impression and further their ambitions on the global cricketing map. 

Zimbabwe Women's Squad for USA Tour 2025

• Captain: Josephine Nkomo
• Wicketkeepers: Chiedza Dhururu, Modester Mupachikwa

Squad Members:
Beloved Biza, Francisca Chipare, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Tendai Makusha, Precious Marange, Natasha Mtomba, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Kelis Ndhlovu, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loreen Tshuma, Adel Zimunu

Non-traveling Reserves:
Nyasha Gwanzura, Kelly Ndiraya

Zimbabwe Women's squad has a blend of experience and youngsters. Skipper Josephine Captain Josephine Nkomo leads an exciting squad with experienced hands like Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and young guns like Kelis Ndhlovu.

See Also: [WATCH] IPL2025: Prabhsimran Singh switch hit against Sunil Narine in KKR vs PBKS match

USA Women's Squad for Zimbabwe Tour 2025

• Captain: Aditiba Chudasama
• Vice-Captain: Chetna Pagydyala
• Wicketkeepers: Pooja Ganesh, Mitali Patwardhan

Squad Members:
Jivana Aras, Gargi Bhogle, Disha Dhingra, Saanvi Immadi, Chetnaa Prasad, Geetika Kodali, Maahi Madhavan, Bhakti Shastri, Ritu Singh, Isani Vaghela

T20I Reserves:
Jessica Willathgamuwa, Lekha Shetty, Pooja Shah

ODI Reserves:
Gargi Bhogle, Jivana Aras, Sai Tanmayi Eyyunni

The USA Women's cricket team is full of young talent, and this tour will be a big test for their new leadership under Aditiba Chudasama.

Match Preview: Zimbabwe Women vs USA Women 2025

Zimbabwe comes into the series as favorites, having played against international teams of high caliber before. But the USA Women will be at home and have a young team eager to win.

Key contests will include:

• Zimbabwe’s bowling attack vs USA’s aggressive batters
• Middle-order strength and finishing ability under pressure

Key Players to Watch

Zimbabwe Women

Josephine Nkomo: A seasoned all-rounder who will lead from the front.

Kelis Ndhlovu: A Promising young player famous for her quick spin bowling and fast scoring.

USA Women

Geetika Kodali: USA's star fast bowler and main new-ball operator.

Pooja Ganesh: Powerful wicketkeeper-batter with match-winning abilities.

The Zimbabwe Women's tour of the USA 2025 has already treated us to hard cricket, and the best is yet to come. With the 2nd T20I lined up today, all eyes will be on whether Zimbabwe can extend their lead or if the USA can bounce back in Texas.

Zimbabwe Women Cricket Team is presently in the United States of America to play a thrilling cricket series of 2025. The series consists of three T20I and two ODI matches to be played at the world-renowned Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

From April 25 to May 3, 2025, this series is a milestone event for women's cricket and has much to offer worldwide fans through some thrilling action.

ALSO SEE:  IPL 2025: Why are Moeen Ali and Ramandeep Singh not playing in today KKR vs PBKS match?

Where & How to Watch Zimbabwe Women Tour of USA, 2025

In India

Cricket fans in India can stream the Zimbabwe Women vs USA Women matches live on FanCode. 

FanCode offers:

• HD live match streaming
• Live scores and match updates
• Match highlights and post-match analysis

How to Access:

• Download the FanCode app (available on Android and iOS)
• Visit the official website: FanCode.com

Note: A subscription may be required for full live match access.

Telecast:

• The series will not be broadcast on any TV channels in India.
• Only online streaming via FanCode is available.

In the United States

For viewers in the United States:

• All matches of the series will be telecast live on Willow TV.
• Fans can also watch matches live at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

Series Overview

• Zimbabwe Women won the 1st T20I by 28 runs against USA Women.
• Beloved Biza delivered a stellar performance, scoring 33 runs and taking 3 wickets, earning the Player of the Match award.

Both sides are employing this series as crucial preparation for future global qualifying tournaments and to promote the development of women's cricket in their nations.

Other Ways to Follow the Series

Besides live streaming, fans can also get ball-by-ball commentary, live scores, and match updates from:

• ESPNcricinfo
• Cricket World

These platforms offer detailed match previews, live coverage, and post-match reports.

ALSO SEE: IPL 2025: Why only one match is scheduled on 26 April?

History was made at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, as India triumphed over South Africa by 7 runs to claim the T20 World Cup 2024 title on Saturday, June 29.

The Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 was a whirlwind of excitement, showcasing the prowess and tenacity of the world’s top cricket teams. As teams battled it out to secure a spot in the semi-finals, their performances were a testament to their skill, strategy, and sheer determination. This article delves into the rankings based on their Super 8 performances, highlighting the key moments and players that defined their journeys.

Team rankings based on Super Eight performances

1. India: The Champions

India’s journey through the T20 World Cup 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. After their impressive runs in the World Test Championship 2023 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, India ensured a third successive finale appearance in the T20 World Cup by maintaining an unbeaten streak throughout the 2024 campaign.

Rohit Sharma’s leadership and consistent batting were pivotal. Hardik Pandya’s all-round performance, particularly his three-wicket haul in the final, was crucial. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh’s bowling figures of 2-18 and 2-20 respectively, were instrumental in their final match against South Africa.

In the final held in Bridgetown, India defended a target of 177 runs, restricting South Africa to 169/8 in 20 overs. This victory marked the end of India’s decade-long ICC title drought, celebrating a historic win with a seven-run triumph over South Africa.

2. South Africa: The resilient contenders

South Africa’s journey to the T20 World Cup 2024 final was marked by resilience and determination. This was a landmark achievement as it was their first time reaching a World Cup final in any format.

South Africa had a perfect win record leading up to the final. They started strong against Sri Lanka, won closely contested matches against the Netherlands and Bangladesh, and topped Group 2 with victories over the USA, England, and West Indies.

Despite their robust performances, South Africa faced a tough defeat in the final against India, losing by seven runs. The match highlighted their strengths and areas for improvement as they aimed for their maiden World Cup title.

3. Afghanistan: The inspirational team

Afghanistan’s run in the T20 World Cup 2024 was inspirational, even though they fell short of a final appearance. Their journey was filled with historic victories and memorable performances.

Afghanistan made history by reaching their first-ever semi-final in a T20 World Cup. They defeated cricketing giants like New Zealand and Australia, and their thrilling eight-run victory over Bangladesh in St Vincent was a standout moment.

Although Afghanistan lost to South Africa in the semi-final, their performances over the last 12 months, including toppling top-ranked sides in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, showcased their growth and potential on the global stage.

4. England: The comeback kings

England’s journey in the T20 World Cup 2024 was a rollercoaster, characterized by a rocky start but a strong comeback in the Super 8 stage.

England’s campaign began with a rain-affected washout against Scotland and a heavy defeat to Australia. However, they bounced back in the Super 8 stage with a comprehensive win over the West Indies and a crucial victory against the USA.

In the semi-final against India, England’s campaign ended with a 68-run defeat. Despite the ups and downs, their ability to regroup and perform in crucial matches was commendable.

5. West Indies: The early pacesetters

West Indies started the T20 World Cup 2024 with a strong performance but faced challenges that led to their exit before the semi-finals.

West Indies topped Group D in the first round, but their form dipped in the Super 8 stage. Key defeats to England and South Africa cost them a spot in the semi-finals.

6. Australia: The mixed performers

Australia’s campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 was inconsistent, marked by struggles against lower-ranked teams and notable victories.

Australia faced unexpected challenges against teams like Oman and Afghanistan. However, they managed to secure significant victories, including a dominant performance against defending champions England.

Despite their ups and downs, Australia’s ability to compete against top teams was evident, even though they ultimately missed out on the semi-finals.

7. Bangladesh: The underdogs

Bangladesh’s journey in the T20 World Cup 2024 was marked by determined performances and missed opportunities.

Bangladesh secured wins against Sri Lanka, Netherlands, and Nepal but fell short against stronger teams in the Super 8 stage. Their lack of initiative to push for a semi-final spot highlighted areas for growth.

8. USA: The Surprise Package

The USA cricket team’s debut in the T20 World Cup 2024 was historic and filled with surprising successes.

USA’s campaign included a shocking upset over Pakistan and victories against Canada and Bangladesh. Their performance in the Super 8 stage, though eventually ending in elimination, was a testament to their potential and growth in international cricket.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to bring an unparalleled level of excitement and competition. As cricket fans around the world gear up for this grand event, all eyes are on Group A, where traditional rivals India and Pakistan co-hosts USA and Canada, and the spirited Irish team will clash in a battle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.

Group A Overview

Group A of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 features a fascinating mix of teams. India and Pakistan, long-time cricketing adversaries, are the heavyweights expected to lead the charge. Joining them are the USA and Canada, who, as co-hosts, bring their flair and enthusiasm to the competition. Ireland, known for its ability to surprise top-tier teams, adds another layer of intrigue to this group. The combination of traditional powerhouses and emerging cricketing nations makes Group A a focal point of the tournament.

Group A Preview

1. India’s Squad Analysis

India enters the tournament with a well-rounded squad boasting experienced stalwarts and dynamic young talents. Key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli provide stability at the top of the order. At the same time, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya offer explosive potential in the middle. India’s strategy appears to lean towards a spin-heavy attack, a decision influenced by the conditions expected in the Caribbean and the USA.

See Also: T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli’s massive six off Haris Rauf voted ‘Greatest Moment’ in tournament’s history

Key Indian Players to Watch

Suryakumar Yadav

Among the eight Indian batters who have scored over 1,000 runs in all T20 cricket during this World Cup cycle, none have done so at a higher rate than Suryakumar Yadav. His ability to score at over 10 runs per over and his 360-degree batting style make him a critical asset for India.

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav, after a period of inconsistency, has reestablished himself as one of the premier wrist spinners globally. With 15 wickets at an average of just 14 since the last T20 World Cup, Kuldeep’s skills will be crucial, especially given the favorable conditions in the Caribbean.

Fixtures

• vs Ireland: June 5, New York
• vs Pakistan: June 9, New York
• vs USA: June 12, New York
• vs Canada: June 15, Florida

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj. Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan

2. Pakistan’s Squad Analysis

Pakistan’s squad is a blend of reliability and explosive potential. Key batters like Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman are complemented by a versatile bowling attack led by Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan. However, recent defeats and concerns over team composition have raised questions about Pakistan’s readiness.

Key Pakistani Players to Watch

Azam Khan

Azam Khan is a pivotal player for Pakistan, known for his powerful hitting and high strike rate. His ability to dominate spin bowlers and deliver quick runs will be essential for Pakistan’s success in the tournament.

Imad Wasim

Imad Wasim brings vast experience and expertise in Caribbean conditions, having played extensively in the Caribbean Premier League. His left-arm spin and strategic bowling will be key for Pakistan as they navigate Group A.

Fixtures

• vs USA: June 6, Texas
• vs India: June 9, New York
• vs Canada: June 11, New York
• vs Ireland: June 16, Florida

Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan

3. Canada’s Squad Analysis

Canada’s squad is balanced between seasoned players and promising talents. With key players like Ravinderpal Singh and Jeremy Gordon, Canada aims to make a significant impact. Their experience in domestic and international T20 leagues will be vital as they compete against top-tier teams.

Key Canadian Players to Watch

Aaron Johnson

Aaron Johnson has been a standout performer for Canada since his debut in 2022. His impressive average and strike rate have propelled Canada into the spotlight, making him a player to watch in the World Cup.

Kaleem Sana

Kaleem Sana, a Pakistan-born fast bowler, has made a name for himself in Canadian cricket. With a remarkable average and experience in the GT20 tournament, Sana’s performances will be crucial for Canada’s success.

Fixtures

• vs USA: June 1, Dallas
• vs Ireland: June 7, New York
• vs Pakistan: June 11, New York
• vs India: June 15, Florida

Canada: Saad Bin Zafar (c), Aaron Johnson, Ravinderpal Singh, Navneet Dhaliwal, Kaleem Sana, Dilon Heyliger, Jeremy Gordon, Nikhil Dutta, Pargat Singh, Nicholas Kirton, Rayyankhan Pathan, Junaid Siddiqui, Dilpreet Bajwa, Shreyas Movva, Rishiv Joshi. Reserves: Tajinder Singh, Aaditya Varadharajan, Ammar Khalid, Jatinder Matharu, Parveen Kumar

4. USA’s Squad Analysis

The USA’s squad is a mix of experience and youth, with players like Steven Taylor and Aaron Jones providing stability. Ali Khan’s bowling attack will be essential in their World Cup campaign. The USA aims to leverage home conditions and make a mark in their debut World Cup appearance.

Key USA Players to Watch

Steven Taylor

Steven Taylor, the USA’s highest T20I run-scorer, will be a key player in their lineup. Known for his big hitting and ability to capitalize on powerplays, Taylor’s performance will be pivotal for the USA.

Nisarg Patel

Nisarg Patel, the leading T20 wicket-taker for the USA, specializes in the middle overs. His left-arm spin will be crucial in controlling the game and taking important wickets.

Fixtures

• vs Canada: June 1, Dallas
• vs Pakistan: June 6, Texas
• vs India: June 12, New York
• vs Ireland: June 14, Florida

United States: Monank Patel (c), Aaron Jones, Andries Gous, Corey Anderson, Ali Khan, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Milind Kumar, Nisarg Patel, Nitish Kumar, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Nethralvakar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor, Shayan Jahangir. Reserve Players: Gajanand Singh, Juanoy Drysdale, Yasir Mohammad.

5. Ireland’s Squad Analysis

Ireland’s squad blends experience with promising young talents. Key players like Harry Tector and Josh Little are expected to play significant roles. Ireland’s strength lies in its balanced team composition, which makes it capable of challenging the best in the group.

Key Irish Players to Watch

Paul Stirling

Paul Stirling has been Ireland’s most prominent batter, with extensive experience in various T20 leagues. His knowledge of Caribbean conditions and leadership will be vital for Ireland’s campaign.

Josh Little

Josh Little’s pace and ability to swing the ball make him a formidable bowler. His performances in the Indian Premier League have showcased his talent, and he will be a key figure for Ireland in the World Cup.

Fixtures

• vs India: June 5, New York
• vs Canada: June 7, New York
• vs USA: June 14, Florida
• vs Pakistan: June 16, Florida

Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young

Group A Prediction: Top Two Teams

India and Pakistan are the front-runners to advance from Group A, given their superior squads and cricketing pedigree. However, Ireland has the potential to pull off surprises, making it a group to watch closely. The USA and Canada, while considered underdogs, will aim to gain valuable experience and make memorable contributions to the tournament.

As traditional rivals India and Pakistan gear up to lead the charge, co-hosts USA and Canada, along with the spirited Irish team, are set to make this group a focal point of the tournament. With electrifying matches on the horizon, cricket fans worldwide are in for a treat.

USA registered a convincing win by 7 wickets over Canada at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas in the first match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Aaron Jones and Andries Gous smashed swashbuckling knocks and helped the team win in the Canada vs USA match.

Canada players did well with the bat

The USA won the toss and opted to bowl first. Batting first, Canada openers Aaron Johnson (23 off 16) and Navneet Dhaliwal (61 off 44) got off to a steady start. They added 43 runs within the powerplay. Soon after, they lost 2 wickets before Nicholas Kirton came to steady the ship. He scored 51 off 31 with 3 fours and 2 sixes whereas Navneet Dhaliwal smashed 61 off 44 with 6 fours and 3 sixes as well.

However, after their dismissals, middle-order batters Shreyas Movva and Dilpreet Singh stepped up. While the former scored a quickfire 32* off 16 with 2 fours and 2 sixes, the latter’s quick 11 helped them to post a huge total of 194 runs in their allotted 20 overs with the loss of 5 wickets.

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma urges US Police to go easy with the pitch invader during IND vs BAN warm-up match

Aaron Jones played a stunning knock

While chasing, the USA had a poor start as their opener Steven Taylor got out for a 2-ball duck. Soon, they lost their other opener and captain Monank Patel for a mere score of 16 within the powerplay. However, Andries Gous and Aaron Jones joined hands to steady the ship. They added 131 runs for the third wicket where Andries Gous scored 65 off 46 with 7 fours and 3 sixes.

However, it was Aaron Jones who played a swashbuckling knock of 94* off 40 with the help of 4 fours and 10 sixes. Their quickfire knocks helped the side to reach the target within 17.4 overs as well. Meanwhile, this is the third-highest successfully chased in a T20 World Cup.

Notably, Jones also became the Player of the Match for his stunning knock. This was the highest individual score by a non-opener in a successful run-chase in T20 World Cup history as well. However, this was the second-highest score by any batter on T20 World Cup debut as well. He also hit the joint second most sixes in an innings in T20 World Cups. Gayle tops the chart with his 11 sixes.

Aaron Jones said after the game: “I don’t think it is easy to put it into words. Happy to get my team over the line. I thought anything under 200 is chaseable. We wanted to play aggressive cricket. I think I go through my process while I practice. To be honest, when my team is under pressure it gets the best out of me.”

Monank Patel said after the game: “We always we knew he (Aaron Jones) had the game. He played fearless cricket. Really happy to see the crowd in numbers, hope they continue to give us the support. We want to continue the way we play are playing (fearless cricket). We don’t want to change anything whether we play Pakistan or India.”

The first match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 has been taking place between the USA and Canada at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. While it is a game between the USA and Canada, there is an interesting fact that will remind you about the India vs Pakistan rivalry.

Canada captain Saad Bin Zafar is originally from Gujranwala, Pakistan whereas USA captain Monank Patel is originally from Gujarat, India as well. So, you can expect a Pakistan vs India rivalry here as well.

However, the inaugural international cricket match between the USA and Canada took place from September 24 to 26, 1844, at the St George’s Cricket Club in Manhattan, New York. The match drew significant attention, with spectator numbers ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 as well. The prize money for the match was $1,000, which, adjusted for inflation, is equivalent to about $32,700 today as well. While it was a low-scoring affair, Canada emerged victorious by 23 runs.

Monank Patel, the captain of the USA

Born in Gujarat, India, Monank Patel has been one of the key players of the USA team. In his 25-match T20I stint, he has scored 441 runs which came at an average of 22.1. He started his initial cricketing days playing for Gujarat, where he has represented as a batter in the Under-16 & Under-19 squads.

However, under him, the USA beat the Bangladesh side and registered a series win recently.

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Saad Bin Zafar, the captain of Canada

Canada made its debut in the ICC T20 World Cup under Saad Bin Zafar who has been one of the key players of the team. His economical spells put pressure on the opponents and his knack for taking wickets in crucial times helps his side. In 38 T20I matches, he has scalped 43 wickets at a commendable economy of 6.44 as well.

As far as the ongoing match is concerned, the United States have won the toss and opted to field. Put into bat, Canada’s openers got off to a flying start as Aaron Johnson and Navneet Dhaliwal added 43 runs within the powerplay. While Dhaliwal scored 61, Nicholas Kirton scored a quick 51 and helped to post a massive total of 194 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.