Monank Patel produced a masterclass with the bat to lead the USA to a six-wicket win over rivals Canada and lift the inaugural North American Cup. The USA skipper, already in red-hot form with 195 runs across three innings before the final, carried his momentum into the decider, smashing a brilliant 70 off just 44 balls. While Monank anchored the chase of 169, Sanjay Krishnamurthy’s explosive 29 off 16 balls sealed the victory with six balls to spare.
USA Bowlers Put the Squeeze on Canada
Earlier, the USA’s bowlers set the tone, with Jasdeep Singh, Ayan Desai, and Milind Kumar tightening the screws early. Canada crumbled to 99 for 7 by the 15th over, before a late counterattack by Jaskaran Buttar gave them some hope. Playing his first international tournament for Canada, the 35-year-old former India A pacer hammered a stunning 60 off just 26 balls to swing some momentum back Canada’s way.
It all started disastrously for Canada as Jasdeep Singh and Milind Kumar removed openers Ali Nadeem and the dangerous Navneet Dhaliwal — fresh off a match-winning 68 against the USA — inside the first nine balls. Yuvraj Samra tried to push back, taking on Saurabh Netravalkar, but Milind struck again at the end of the PowerPlay.
Ayan Desai’s tight lines paid off as he removed Shreyas Movva, before Yasir Mohammad, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, cleaned up Saad Bin Zafar. Harsh Thaker fell cheaply too, and Canada found themselves needing a miracle.
Jaskaran Buttar’s Late Fireworks
That miracle almost came thanks to Jaskaran Buttar. After a lucky boundary off an inside edge, he unleashed a brutal assault, hammering Yasir Mohammad for four consecutive sixes. He continued the carnage against Netravalkar in the final over, dragging Canada to a respectable total with some fearless hitting.
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Monank Patel Takes Control
Chasing 169, the USA stumbled early with Shayan Jahangir falling in the first over. Monank initially struggled to find his timing but quickly adjusted, taking the attack to Harsh Thaker with two straight boundaries over his head. He then dismantled Akhil Kumar’s bowling, showcasing his full range with crisp drives, powerful pulls, and elegant lofted shots.
With Sai Teja Mukkamalla also getting into the act, USA raced to 73 by the end of the PowerPlay. Although Mukkamalla’s stumping slowed their momentum, Monank kept the chase on track before eventually falling in the 13th over after a boundary drought.
Sanjay Krishnamurthy Steadies the Finish
After Monank’s dismissal, USA needed 57 from 46 balls. Milind Kumar and Aaron Jones struggled to keep the scoreboard ticking, and a run-out only added to the tension. But Sanjay Krishnamurthy rose to the occasion, smashing a crucial six off Harsh Thaker to break the pressure.
Krishnamurthy then hammered back-to-back boundaries off Buttar to effectively seal the deal. USA crossed the finish line on the first ball of the final over, helped by a no-ball, capping a memorable tournament win.
