USA Canada kick off T20 World Cup at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, Texas

USA Canada kick off T20 World Cup at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, Texas

Toronto: 180 years after what is widely regarded as the first ever international contest for any sport, USA and Canada are set to lock horns again in a marquee clash. USA routed Canada 4-0 in near empty grounds in April in Houston. However, the mega event opener in Dallas is expected to bring some fan fervour back to this age old rivalry, reminiscent of the sport’s glory days during pre-civil war America.

There will be nerves. And plenty at that for turning out in front of a 7000 strong crowd for a majority of these players. The stadium din can be quite unsettling to someone used to playing in front of virtually non-existent crowds. America may well have an edge over their rivals with regards to crowd pressure with the likes of Corey Anderson and Ali Khan having plied their trade in much bigger arenas elsewhere. The rest of American squad also stands to benefit from playing an MLC season in front of packed houses in Dallas.

Canada, however, have slightly pulled ahead in terms of game time on the Dallas square leading up to the World Cup. Canada registered a clinical win in their first warm up game against Nepal before a hurricane gusted in to play a massive spoilsport, washing away their final warm up game and both of USA’s scheduled warm up games.

But USA look a dangerous preposition in the wake of their historic series victory against a full strength Bangladesh. The induction of seasoned professionals like Corey Anderson, Andries Gous and Harmeet Singh has changed the entire complexion of the team. Gous’ attacking intent in the middle overs coupled with the innate ability to find boundaries off good deliveries have been a change agent for the USA, unshackling them from an indolent mindset. Anderson and Harmeet’s high quality all round abilities is an added luxury at USA’s disposal, playing pivotal roles in the Bangladesh series.

USA batters ran riot over the inexperienced Canada bowlers in the April series, with the new ball bowlers costing more than 10 runs an over in the powerplay. To Canada’s respite, senior left seamer Kaleem Sana, who was able to resolve his visa issues, and old war horse Jeremy Gordon, are back in their ranks to provide some stability with the new ball. Canada are already reaping the fruits of recalling experienced pro Ravinderpal Singh back into the mix. The big hitting right hander’s fiery cameo of 41* off 17 deliveries provided a sluggish Canada innings a final knockout punch in their warm up victory against Nepal.

When: USA vs Canada, June 1: 7:30 PM Local, 6:00 AM IST (June 2)

Where:Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, Texas