On August 19, 2024, Hazelaarweg, Rotterdam, hosted a gripping match in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 series between the United States of America and Canada. The day saw both teams battling it out in a 50-over contest that was as intense as it was entertaining. The United States emerged victorious, thanks to a combination of solid batting and disciplined bowling, securing a 50-run win against Canada.
After being put into bat by Canada, the USA’s innings began with a solid foundation laid by their openers, Steven Taylor and Smit Patel. Taylor contributed 46 runs from 77 balls, with a strike rate of 59.74, anchoring the innings alongside Smit Patel. Patel played a crucial knock, scoring 70 runs off 84 balls, with 11 boundaries, maintaining a healthy strike rate of 83.33.
Captain Monank Patel added 26 runs to the total before being bowled by Saad Bin Zafar, who was the standout bowler for Canada. Zafar’s spell was a masterclass in spin bowling, as he took 3 wickets for just 30 runs in his 10 overs, including 2 maidens. Despite his efforts, the USA’s middle-order continued to build on the solid start.
Aaron Jones played an aggressive knock, scoring 50 runs off 53 balls, including three boundaries and a six, at a strike rate of 94.33. Milind Kumar provided the late fireworks with a blistering 47 off 30 balls, striking at an impressive 156.66, pushing the USA to a competitive total of 275/8 in their allotted 50 overs. The fall of wickets came regularly after the 38th over, but the USA’s lower order managed to add crucial runs, ensuring a challenging target for Canada.
Chasing 276, Canada’s innings got off to a rocky start, with opener Aaron Johnson falling early for just 10 runs, trapped LBW by Nosthush Kenjige. Jasdeep Singh then dismissed Dilpreet Bajwa for 8, leaving Canada in a precarious position at 32/2. Pargat Singh and captain Nicholas Kirton attempted to stabilize the innings, but Kirton’s departure for 9 left Canada reeling at 44/3.
Pargat Singh, however, stood tall amidst the falling wickets. He scored a valiant 72 runs off 80 balls, with 7 fours and a six, at a strike rate of 90.00. His efforts were complemented by wicketkeeper Shreyas Movva, who added 68 runs off 95 balls. The duo put up a 108-run partnership for the fifth wicket, giving Canada a glimmer of hope.
But once Pargat Singh was caught by Shayan Jahangir off Yasir Mohammad, the Canadian innings began to unravel. The USA bowlers, led by Shadley van Schalkwyk, tightened the noose. Van Schalkwyk’s exceptional spell of 8 overs saw him claim 4 wickets for just 20 runs, stifling Canada’s chase. Harmeet Singh also played a crucial role, taking 2 wickets for 38 runs in his 10 overs.
Despite the lower order’s attempts to scrape together runs, Canada was eventually bowled out for 225 in 47 overs, falling short by 50 runs. Jasdeep Singh and Harmeet Singh supported van Schalkwyk well, with Jasdeep picking up 2 wickets for 44 runs in his 8.3 overs.
Smit Patel was rightfully named Player of the Match for his pivotal role in the USA’s innings. His steady yet aggressive batting laid the groundwork for the team’s competitive total. On the bowling front, Shadley van Schalkwyk’s brilliant spell, backed by Jasdeep Singh and Harmeet Singh, ensured that the USA maintained pressure throughout Canada’s innings.
The match highlighted the USA’s balanced approach, with contributions from both bat and ball, setting them on a strong footing in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 series. For Canada, despite a strong middle-order performance, the early wickets and lack of support from the lower order ultimately led to their downfall.