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Despite the setback against Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, Canada’s opening batter Aaron Johnson maintains a positive outlook regarding their Super 8 prospects. Johnson expressed confidence in their ability to advance and emphasized their respect for formidable opponents like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and the rest of the Indian squad. He affirmed their determination to aim for victory in their upcoming final group match against India.
Canada faced a defeat by seven wickets against Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Tuesday, June 11. They could only manage to score 106 runs within their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan successfully chased down the target with 15 balls to spare, securing their first victory in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Aaron Johnson stood out as the top scorer for the Canadian team, crafting a well-executed half-century despite challenging conditions. Johnson amassed 52 runs from 44 deliveries, showcasing his skill with four boundaries and an equal number of sixes. However, the remaining batters struggled against the Pakistan bowlers, with the second-highest score being just 13 runs from 14 balls.
Aaron Johnson says Have To Have Respect For These Guys
In the press conference following the match, Aaron Johnson conveyed his deep admiration for the Indian players while underscoring the unpredictable nature of cricket. He stressed the significance of recognizing their team’s strengths and adopting a confident mindset for the upcoming game.
“Again, as I say it’s a ball. The ball is very round the moment you walk on the field, anyone can win. Yes, you have to have respect for these guys. They have been doing it for years. There are some of them, like someone like Babar today, he’s a legend. I’m pretty sure he will be a legend of the game, right?,” said Johnson.
“And going up, hopefully, we get to play against Kohli, Rohit, all of these guys, the list goes on and on. And you have to respect them, but at the end of the day, you have to know that you’re a professional cricketer also. And if they did it, you can do it also. So, it’s about respecting them, but also respecting yourself,” he added.
In the press conference following the match, Aaron Johnson conveyed his deep admiration for the Indian players while underscoring the unpredictable nature of cricket. He stressed the significance of recognizing their team’s strengths and adopting a confident mindset for the upcoming game.
After succumbing to defeat against the United States of America (USA) in a match characterized by high scores, Canada rebounded with a triumph over Ireland in their subsequent game. Now, led by Saad Bin Zafar, they are poised to take on Rohit Sharma’s team in their final encounter at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, scheduled for June 15th.
Aaron Johnson hailed his recent batting display as the pinnacle of his international cricket journey. The Canadian batsman expressed satisfaction in his ability to accumulate runs against Pakistan’s formidable fast-bowling lineup.
“I think it’s my best innings so far in international cricket. And growing up, you know that Pakistan, one thing they have is a quality fast bowling attack, right? And to be able to get a decent total on the board for my team, I think that’s up there with the top, probably top two best innings for me,” Johnson further added.
Mohammad Amir and Haris Rauf showcased their bowling prowess, each claiming two wickets for the Asian side. Mohammad Rizwan emerged as a pivotal figure in the chase, crafting an unbeaten 53 runs from 53 deliveries, while Babar Azam contributed with 33 runs. Together, Rizwan and Babar orchestrated a crucial partnership of 63 runs for the second wicket.
