The first match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 has been taking place between the USA and Canada at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. While it is a game between the USA and Canada, there is an interesting fact that will remind you about the India vs Pakistan rivalry.

Canada captain Saad Bin Zafar is originally from Gujranwala, Pakistan whereas USA captain Monank Patel is originally from Gujarat, India as well. So, you can expect a Pakistan vs India rivalry here as well.

However, the inaugural international cricket match between the USA and Canada took place from September 24 to 26, 1844, at the St George’s Cricket Club in Manhattan, New York. The match drew significant attention, with spectator numbers ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 as well. The prize money for the match was $1,000, which, adjusted for inflation, is equivalent to about $32,700 today as well. While it was a low-scoring affair, Canada emerged victorious by 23 runs.

Monank Patel, the captain of the USA

Born in Gujarat, India, Monank Patel has been one of the key players of the USA team. In his 25-match T20I stint, he has scored 441 runs which came at an average of 22.1. He started his initial cricketing days playing for Gujarat, where he has represented as a batter in the Under-16 & Under-19 squads.

However, under him, the USA beat the Bangladesh side and registered a series win recently.

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Saad Bin Zafar, the captain of Canada

Canada made its debut in the ICC T20 World Cup under Saad Bin Zafar who has been one of the key players of the team. His economical spells put pressure on the opponents and his knack for taking wickets in crucial times helps his side. In 38 T20I matches, he has scalped 43 wickets at a commendable economy of 6.44 as well.

As far as the ongoing match is concerned, the United States have won the toss and opted to field. Put into bat, Canada’s openers got off to a flying start as Aaron Johnson and Navneet Dhaliwal added 43 runs within the powerplay. While Dhaliwal scored 61, Nicholas Kirton scored a quick 51 and helped to post a massive total of 194 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.