T20 World Cup: USA skipper Monank Patel backs his team's 'fearless approach' against India and Pakistan | Cricket News - Times of India

Source: The Times of India

NEW DELHI: USA captain Monank Patel said after his team's seven-wicket victory against Canada in the opening match of the ICC T20 World Cup that they would not alter their daring style of cricket when playing Asian heavyweights India and Pakistan.

On Sunday at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, the co-hosts USA began their ICC T20 World Cup on a high note with a seven-wicket victory over Canada, thanks in large part to a blistering 94-run performance by Aaron Jones and his game-changing century stand with Andries Gous.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Monank said, "The way we have been playing against Canada in previous series...I thought it was a whole team effort. Gous and Jones handled the pressure situation, and took the game out of Canada. (USA's bowling effort) As soon as we bowled, the ball was coming well. We bowled well in patches but we gave 10-15 runs extra."

"I did not expect that in the first six overs (Ball helping Canada seamers early). The ball was two-paced too. (Jones innings) We've always known, he has the game. He played fearless cricket and backed his shots. It was clean hitting. (Texas crowd) Happy to see the numbers. They were really energetic and hope they continue to support us. We want to continue the way we are playing. Don't want to change our fearless cricket whether we play Pakistan or India," he concluded.

USA take on Pakistan at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on June 6 and face India on June 12 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Aaron Jones made an unbeaten 94 from 40 balls in an extraordinary display of power-hitting after co-hosts USA seemed under pressure when Canada made 194-5 batting first.

The total demanded the United States achieve their highest-ever run chase in a T20I to win the match, eclipsing its previous best of 169.

In the end the US reached the target with ease. There were 14 balls remaining when Jones clinched the win for the US with his 10th six.

(With ANI inputs)

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