NEW DELHI:
Aaron Johnson
's impressive 52 stood out for Canada as they faced a tough challenge against Pakistan, who restricted them to 106/7 in their Group A
T20 World Cup
match in New York on Tuesday.
On a pitch with unpredictable bounce and pace, Johnson's 44-ball 52, adorned with four sixes and four boundaries, was the highlight as other Canadian batters struggled against Pakistan's disciplined attack.
Mohammad Amir
was the star among the bowlers with figures of 4-0-13-2, while
Haris Rauf
secured 2/26.
Shaheen Shah Afridi
(1/21) and Naseem Shah (1/24) also delivered strong performances after shaky starts.
Johnson, the only Canadian batter to significantly challenge the Pakistani bowlers, capitalized on every scoring opportunity.
His powerful shots down the ground were notable, often clearing the ropes even without perfect timing. However, after reaching his half-century, Johnson was bowled out by Naseem Shah when he missed a connection.
Following Johnson's dismissal at a team total of 73, Canada's prospects dimmed, but captain Saad Bin Zafar (10) and Kaleem Sana (13) managed to steer the team past the 100-run mark, giving their bowlers something to defend.
Shaheen Shah Afridi felt the pressure early on, starting with two full tosses that Johnson dispatched for boundaries. Johnson continued to take advantage when Naseem Shah delivered an offside ball, sending it flying for another four.
Pakistan gained their first breakthrough when Mohammad Amir, despite being hit for a four on his opening delivery, dismissed Navneet Dhaliwal with the final ball of the same over.
Shaheen Shah Afridi then got Pargat Singh (2) caught behind, with
Fakhar Zaman
making the catch, as Pakistan regained control by the end of the powerplay.
Imad Wasim's direct hit from cover ran out Nicholas Kirton (1) at the non-striker's end, adding further pressure on Johnson, who was shouldering the weight of the top order.
Haris Rauf's impactful 10th over included dismissing Shreyas Movva (2), caught behind, and Ravinderpal Singh (0), caught at first slip, leaving Canada struggling at 54 for five and helping him reach the milestone of 100 T20I wickets.
(With PTI inputs)
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