Arshdeep Singh’s exceptional skill and Suryakumar Yadav’s composure worked harmoniously for India as they overcame USA’s challenge, securing a seven-wicket victory to advance to the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday. Arshdeep achieved a career-best 4 for 9, limiting USA to a seemingly modest 110 for 8. Despite initially struggling on a somewhat tricky pitch, India eventually eased to victory with Suryakumar (50 not out off 49 balls) reaffirming his position as the world’s top-ranked T20 batter.
He exchanged his flamboyant style for a more watchful approach, akin to a tiger stalking its prey. Alongside him was Shivam Dube (31 not out off 35 balls), who, despite the chase being completed in 18.2 overs, did not inspire much confidence.
The Surya-Dube duo contributed an unbeaten 67-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
The turning point appeared to be a lapse in rule awareness by the US bowlers, who violated the rule of taking only 60 seconds between overs on three occasions, resulting in a costly penalty of five runs at a crucial moment.
At that point, India needed 35 runs from 30 balls when umpire Paul Reiffel informed captain Aaron Jones of the decision, which effectively ended the US resistance.
That was the moment Surya had been waiting for; he swiftly concluded the match with a series of rapid shots.
Before Saurabh Netravalkar (2/18 in 4 overs), the Oracle programmer from Silicon Valley, executed precise deliveries to dismiss an out-of-form Virat Kohli (0), his ball swinging away to deceive the batsman. Rohit Sharma, witnessing Kohli’s departure, was visibly surprised.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Team India Qualify For Super 8, Beat USA By 7 Wickets
View this post on Instagram
Also Read: ICC To Penalize Australia For ‘Manipulating’ Scotland Game To Send England Packing?
Netravalkar followed up with a slower delivery that induced Rohit Sharma, his former Mumbai senior teammate, to edge the ball and depart unexpectedly.
Dube faced difficulties on a sluggish pitch, leaving India at 53 for 3 after 11 overs, with 58 runs still needed from the remaining 9 overs.
The turning point came when Surya confidently flicked Ali for a boundary towards mid-wicket, breaking the shackles. Dube, after a challenging 25 deliveries, smashed Corey Anderson’s slower ball for a six over deep mid-wicket, ending his ordeal.
India will travel to Florida for their last group stage match against Canada. However, the weather forecast in Miami predicts gloominess, which is likely to uplift the spirits of the US team. A draw against Ireland would assist them in eliminating Pakistan from the tournament.
Choosing to bowl first, Arshdeep maintained relentless pressure, achieving his career-best figures of 4/9. The USA could only muster 110 for 8, a respectable total considering the conditions at the Nassau County Cricket ground.
Following a series of impressive batting displays leading to consecutive wins, USA’s batters encountered an Indian pace attack that clearly outclassed them in terms of skill and quality.
Throughout the game, the hosts never sensed the pressure easing.
After scoring 42 runs in the initial ten overs, USA, bolstered by contributions from Nitish Kumar (27), Steven Taylor (24), and former New Zealand international Corey Anderson (15), added another 68 runs in the latter half.
Arshdeep made crucial breakthroughs early on, including dismissing Shayan Jahangir with the first ball, setting the tone for India.
India maintained their intensity consistently, varying between fuller deliveries and back-of-length pitches without any lapses.
The left-arm pacer excelled in both the initial and final overs, bowling an impressive 17 dot balls.
Hardik Pandya (2/14) was again highly impactful with the ball, whereas Dube’s (0/11) performance didn’t inspire much confidence in skipper Rohit regarding a reliable bowling choice.
