'There would be considerable pressure on both teams' - Aaron Jones weighs in on USA - Canada rivalry ahead of T20 World Cup opener

The ninth edition of the T20 World Cup marks the first instance of the USA co-hosting this prestigious event, generating considerable excitement for the curtain-raiser at Grand Prairie Stadium on June 1. The USA is set to face Canada, a team they recently defeated with a 4-0 margin in a five-match T20I series held in April, though the third T20I was washed out due to turbulent weather.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, vice-captain of the US, Aaron Jones, acknowledged the significance of the match and the high level of competition. The top-order batter remarked that as a World Cup game, there would be immense pressure on both sides to emerge victorious, and the added significance of it being the tournament opener would only amplify expectations. There would be considerable pressure on both teams due to their longstanding rivalry, and he noted that the team that manages the pressure most effectively would ultimately prevail.

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"It's a World Cup game, the first World Cup game. There's going to be pressure on both teams. And obviously, we know the outstanding rivalry we have with Canada, so pressure will be on both teams. It's whoever handles the pressure best tomorrow [that will come out on top] to be honest," Jones said in the pre-match press match conference, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

We enjoy playing against Canada, they enjoy playing against us: Jones

He mentioned that despite being rivals on the field in the eyes of their respective supporters, the players from both teams shared a strong camaraderie and enjoyed good friendships with one another. This bond had been fostered through numerous encounters, particularly in World Cup qualifiers across both the 20-over and 50-over formats. He acknowledged the upcoming match's challenges and expressed their anticipation and readiness to face the Canadians.

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"As it relates to the players, we are all friends, we've all played together, against one another, for years. So, everybody's good and cool, but as it relates to the fans, it's a bit of a rivalry, we all know that. We enjoy playing against Canada, they enjoy playing against us. We know for sure it's going to be challenging and we're looking forward to the challenge," Jones concluded.