In a heart-stopping finish, Team USA defeated Canada by four wickets in the 4 Nations Cricket Final on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the sold-out Central Broward Stadium in Florida. Star batter Connor McDavid sealed the victory with a six off the final ball of the Overtime (OT) period, ending a tense battle that kept 12,000 fans on edge until the last moment. The match, part of the second edition of the 4 Nations Tournament featuring the U.S., Canada, Australia, and England, marked the first time the final was decided in OT, cementing cricket’s growing popularity in North America.
Canada Sets Competitive Total
Canada, opting to bat first, posted 285/7 in 50 overs. Skipper Navneet Dhaliwal anchored the innings with a gritty 89 off 112 balls, supported by all-rounder Saad Bin Zafar’s quickfire 45* (28). Opener Aaron Johnson gave Canada a fiery start, smashing 60 off 55, including three sixes. The U.S. bowlers struggled early but fought back through Ali Khan (3/52) and Nosthush Kenjige (2/47), who restricted Canada’s late surge. Spinner Steven Taylor’s tight 10-over spell (1/38) kept the middle order quiet.
USA’s Chase: Collapses and Comebacks
In reply, the U.S. lost opener Monank Patel (12) early, but Taylor’s aggressive 68 (61) and Aaron Jones’ steady 74 (89) rebuilt the innings. At 180/3 in 35 overs, the U.S. seemed in control until Zafar’s spin magic triggered a collapse. The hosts lost three wickets for 15 runs, slipping to 195/6. Wicketkeeper-batter Jaskaran Malhotra (33*) and McDavid (25*) then staged a nervy 50-run partnership, tying the score at 285 with a last-ball single to force OT.
Overtime Drama
Per tournament rules, each team faced a one-over eliminator. Canada batted first, with Dhaliwal and Johnson managing 12 runs off Saurabh Netravalkar. Needing 13 to win, the U.S. sent McDavid and Malhotra to the crease. Fast bowler Jeremy Gordon conceded two boundaries early, leaving the U.S. needing three off the final ball. McDavid, cool under pressure, launched a full toss over midwicket for six, sparking wild celebrations.
Heroic McDavid Earns Praise
The 23-year-old McDavid, named Player of the Match, called the moment “the biggest of my career.” U.S. captain Patel praised his team’s grit: “We never stopped believing. This win is for our fans and cricket’s future here.” Dhaliwal lamented Canada’s missed chances but hailed the tournament’s impact: “This shows we belong on the big stage.”
Tournament Highlights and Future Outlook
The 4 Nations event saw record crowds and TV viewership, with the U.S. avenging their group-stage loss to Canada. Australia and England finished third and fourth, respectively. The final’s success has fueled calls for more ICC events in North America ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will debut.
A Landmark Day for Cricket
Monday’s thriller underscored cricket’s rapid growth in non-traditional markets. From McDavid’s heroics to the electric crowd, the match proved the sport’s potential in the region. As the U.S. team lifted the trophy, fireworks lit up the Florida sky, symbolizing a bright future for cricket’s newest rivals.
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