Aaron Jones in action during his whirlwind 94* against Canada (AP)

The USA cricket team pulled off a remarkable heist over maritime neighbours Canada in the 2024 T20 World Cup curtain raiser at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas.

Hosts batters Aaron Jones and number three Andries Gous punched out sizzling half-centuries in a high-scoring thriller to overcome USA’s top-order jitters at the hands of Canada’s new-ball attack.

Here’s the timeline of how USA vs CAN panned out in Dallas:

USA vs CAN Highlights: Aaron Johnson’s Fiery Start Ends Within Powerplay

After being put into bat first, Canada’s new-ball striker Aaron Johnson belted five boundaries in the opening powerplay to race to a fiery 16-ball 23. Johnson’s top-order exploits, coupled with partner Navneet Dhaliwal’s frenzy, ensured Canada completed its team 50 in the first six overs.

For USA, in-form spinner Harmeet Singh landed the first blow by dismissing a charged-up Johnson at 43-1 in the final over of the powerplay.

USA vs CAN Highlights: Dhaliwal, Kirton Punch Out 50s To Lift CAN To 194

Following the dismissal of Aaron Johnson, his opening partner Navneet Dhaliwal took over the run-scoring onus alongside number four batter Nicholas Kirton. The two cricketers pounced on USA’s struggling bowling attack to hammer sparkling half-centuries in the middle overs.

While Dhaliwal launched six boundaries and three sixes to blaze to a 44-ball 61, Kirton smacked three boundaries and a couple of sixes to slap 51 runs from just 31 balls. Their collective batting bombardment, coupled with Shreyas Movva’s 16-ball 32* elevated Canada to a monumental 194-5 from 20 overs.

USA vs CAN Highlights: Kaleem, Heyliger Strike Early For CAN

Chasing a steep 195 for a win, USA lost prolific opener Steven Taylor for a two-ball duck after he was trapped plumb in front by Canada’s Kaleem Sana.

Captain Monank Patel also departed back to the sheds a while later for a sluggish run-a-ball 16. The cricketer was caught behind by Shreyas Movva off Canada’s Dilon Heyliger at 42-2 in 6.3 overs.

USA vs CAN Highlights: Andries Gous Leads USA Fightback

Falling to 42-2 in a chase of 195, number three batter Andries Gous led USA’s fightback through a match-defining 131-run partnership with Aaron Jones. Gous himself smacked three maximums and seven boundaries off the 46 deliveries he faced in the innings to list a career-best 65.

The South African-born player ensured that USA soared past the 150-run mark in just 13.5 overs to put their 195-chase back on course.

USA vs CAN Highlights: Aaron Jones Blasts 40-Ball 94* In USA Win

While Andries Gous crafted his way to a meticulous 46-ball 65, his middle-order batting partner Aaron Jones blated 94 unbeaten runs from just 40 balls to take USA past Canada’s 194 with more than two overs to spare. Jones smeared four boundaries and 10 maximums, including the match-winning hit alongside Corey Anderson to steer USA home by seven wickets.

Aaron Jones’ burgeoning batting effort ensured that USA took home the opening points on offer to go atop the Group A standings at the 2024 T20 World Cup.