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USA vs CAN (Source -ICC)
In terms of cricket rivalry, there is always a debate about which is the fiercest. Is it the Ashes? India vs Pakistan? Or India vs Australia. The oldest cricketing rivalry for many fans is the Ashes as the Australians and the English battle it out for the urn. It may come as a huge surprise to many that the oldest cricketing rivalry is between the United States of America and Canada.
The first match of the T20 World Cup on Saturday night in Dallas showed the kind of passion both sets of fans have during the game. The loud chants of ‘USA’ reverberated around the stadium as Aaron Jones and Andries Gous set about chasing down the 195-run target given to them.
Once the winning runs were there a deafening roar swept across the stadium. It wasn’t just the USA winning their first-ever game at the global stage in an ICC tournament, but also the joy of beating their oldest rivals.
United States of America vs Canada: A rivalry worth 180 years
It may be shocking for many or even surprising that the first ever cricket match was played between United States of America and Canada way back in 1844. New York was the venue that saw history being created with Canada winning the game by 23 runs.
It is quite fascinating that the first-ever game of cricket was played between two nations that aren’t even full members of the International Cricket Council. The only game of that Canada tour of the USA saw Canada score 82 in the first innings with 3 batters scoring 12 and the 15 extras by the USA bowlers being the top scorer. USA bowler Sam Wright picked a fifer with bowlers running roughshod over the batters.
USA in their 1st innings were bowled out for 64 with skipper Robert Tinson top scoring with 14. Armed with a lead of 18 runs, Canada were bowled out for just 62 runs with Henry Groom picking a fifer and Sam Wright picking four. Needing a mere 77 to win, USA were bowled out for 54 as George Sharpe picked 6 wickets for the Canadians.
This match saw the creation of the KA Auty Cup which is still being played across various formats. After their early reversals United States of America have won the KA Auty Cup on 33 occasions with the matches being played in 2 days format along with ODI and T20 formats.
Canada and USA have played just one ODI against each other with Canada winning the only contest. In the T20 format, USA hold the edge with this win in the T20 World Cup being their 6th out of the 8 games they have played against the arch-rivals. Both sides are doing their best to be recognized by global cricket fans. if Canada and USA can become regular ICC members cricket fans may fully get to know the actual intensity of their battles.