Monank Patel’s 121* Powers USA to 15-Run Win Over Canada
On August 13, 2024, the United States of America faced off against Canada in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. Canada won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that would see them chasing a substantial target.
The United States, batting first, set an imposing total of 304/4 in their allotted 50 overs. The foundation of their innings was laid by a stellar performance from their captain, Monank Patel, who played an unbeaten knock of 121 runs off 95 balls. His innings was characterized by a blend of aggression and control, featuring seven boundaries and five towering sixes, boasting a strike rate of 127.36. Smit Patel contributed significantly as well, scoring 63 runs off 83 balls with five fours and a six, anchoring the innings early on.
Steven Taylor provided a solid start with 27 runs from 48 deliveries, including five boundaries, while Aaron Jones added 15 runs before being stumped by the Canadian wicketkeeper Shreyas Movva off Harsh Thaker’s bowling. Despite losing Milind Kumar for a duck, the American innings was bolstered by Shayan Jahangir’s quickfire 57 off 47 balls, which included five boundaries, allowing the USA to cross the 300-run mark.
Canada’s bowling attack struggled to contain the American batsmen. Saad Bin Zafar was the most economical, claiming 1 wicket for 35 runs in his 10 overs, while Harsh Thaker and Pargat Singh also chipped in with a wicket each. However, the rest of the bowlers, particularly Kaleem Sana and Jeremy Gordon, were expensive, conceding over seven runs per over without taking any wickets.
Chasing a daunting target of 305, Canada’s innings got off to a mixed start. Aaron Johnson led from the front with a brisk 55 off 41 balls, hitting seven fours and four sixes, but his dismissal by Harmeet Singh triggered a collapse. Aaditya Varadarajan and Dilpreet Bajwa fell cheaply, leaving Canada at 90/3 in the 16th over.
Captain Nicholas Kirton attempted to stabilize the innings with 14 runs off 17 balls, but his dismissal by Jasdeep Singh left Canada in further trouble. Pargat Singh fought valiantly for his 42 off 51 balls, but his lbw dismissal to Nosthush Kenjige put Canada on the back foot.
Harsh Thaker played a resilient knock of 77 runs from 77 balls, hitting six boundaries and a six, and Dilon Heyliger provided support with a well-crafted 56 off 65 deliveries. However, despite their efforts, the required run rate continued to climb, and Canada ultimately fell short by 15 runs, finishing at 290/9 after 50 overs.
The USA bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Nosthush Kenjige emerging as the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for 37 runs in his 10 overs. Jasdeep Singh also played a crucial role, taking 2 wickets for 52 runs, while Shadley van Schalkwyk took 2 wickets but was expensive, conceding 79 runs in his 9 overs.
Monank Patel was deservedly named the Player of the Match for his captain’s knock of 121*, which proved to be the cornerstone of the USA’s victory. The win earned the United States 2 points in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2.
