NEWS
Follow UsCanada went into the game against Pakistan high on confidence having already beaten Ireland in their previous game. Aaron Johnson starred with the bat for Canada, smashing 52 off 44 deliveries to help his side to 106/7 on a tricky New York surface on June 11 (Tuesday). Unfortunately, he found no support from the other end, and as a result, his side finished with an under-par total.
Johnson believes his mix-up with Nicholas Kirton that led to the latter's run-put eventually cost Canada. Kirton had put up a match-winning 75-run stand with Shreyas Movva in their win over Ireland and Johnson reckons the situation might have been different had he stitched a similar stand with Kirton.
"Once they kept taking wickets, we were under pressure and unfortunately for us the run out, the mix-up between myself and Kirton cost us. That was a crucial moment for us, and I think that's where they really got back in the game," Johnson said at the post-match press conference.
Johnson, who has two centuries in T20 Internationals (T20I) believes that, the knock against Pakistan was the best he has ever played in international cricket.
"I think it's my best innings so far in international cricket. And growing up, you know that Pakistan, one thing they have is 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," he said.
Whether or nor Canada make it though to the Super Eights, Johnson believes that his side has earned some respect following some spirited performances.
"One would hope that it helps to push cricket in Canada further," the 33-year-old said when asked to rate Canada's performance in the tournament.
"The fact that you are asking us these questions, it showed that it speaks volume that we have represented ourselves very well, I think. And yes, we would have liked to win one or two more games if luck went our way but I'm pretty sure that the cricketing world have some amount of respect for us at this point."
While there have been plenty of criticisms over the pitch in New York, Johnson does not see any problems with it.
"It's not that I wouldn't say it's the best surface. It's a tricky surface but when T20 cricket started 120 - 130 was good totals on wickets because you have flat belters that's the reason people are getting 200. I think if you have a surface like this, it evens the playing field and we fancy our chance against any opponent, not only Pakistan," Johnson said.
Canada will take on India in their final game of group A in Lauderhill, Florida on June 15 (Saturday).
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