In the upcoming Group A clash of the T20 World Cup 2024 at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, the United States of America will play host to India on Wednesday.
Both teams currently lead the group with flawless records of two wins from two games and a win on Wednesday would be crucial for either side as it will ensure a berth in the Super 8 Stage of the tournament.
What has happened so far?
After securing a notable win against Ireland, India, recently, clinched a thrilling six-run victory over their arch-rivals, Pakistan. Despite a modest batting display, India could only manage to set a target of 119 runs.
However, when the situation seemed dire, India’s bowlers rose to the occasion. Jasprit Bumrah, along with Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Hardik Pandya posed significant challenges for the Pakistani batting lineup. Their collective effort restricted Pakistan to just 113 runs, securing a crucial six-run victory for India.
Meanwhile, In a thrilling match against Pakistan, the United States of America secured a dramatic Super Over victory. Yet, the Americans remained composed, posting a significant total of 18 runs in the Super Over and comfortably defended it to secure a memorable victory.
Opting to field first, they made early breakthroughs in Pakistan’s batting lineup. Despite this, Pakistan posted 159 runs, with Kenjige taking three wickets. Chasing a target of 160 runs, the USA had a steady but slow start, with a 36-run opening partnership in 5.1 overs.
Monank Patel and Andries Gous then sparked a crucial 68-run partnership. However, tight bowling from Pakistan led to a tense finish, taking the game to the final over. Aaron Jones and Nitish Kumar ensured a Super Over. In the Super Over, the USA set a target of 19. Pakistan struggled against Netravalkar’s bowling, falling short and handing the USA two vital points.
Before defeating Pakistan, the USA also defeated arch-rivals Canada as they chased down the target of 195 runs with 14 balls to spare in the tournament opener.
Head to Head Record
It’s worth noting that the United States of America and India have never faced each other in any format of cricket, let alone on the global stage like the ICC Cricket World Cup. This upcoming match will mark the first-ever meeting between these two teams.
Key Players
Aaron Jones (United States of America): In a nail-biting chase against Canada, Aaron Jones emerged as the hero for the USA. His blistering knock of 94 runs off just 40 deliveries steered the team to victory in the tournament opener.
Against Pakistan, facing a daunting chase, Jones once again rose to the occasion. He played a crucial knock of 36 runs from 26 deliveries. Jones forged vital partnerships to take the game to the Super Over. In the Super Over, Jones contributed 11 runs to set a challenging target of 19 runs for Pakistan.
Jasprit Bumrah delivered a spell for the ages in the T20 World Cup 2024 against Pakistan
Jasprit Bumrah (India): When India found themselves in a tight spot against Pakistan, Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the beacon of hope. In a closely contested match, he delivered a stellar performance, conceding only 14 runs and claiming three crucial wickets.
Bumrah’s economical spell throughout the innings proved instrumental as did his dismissal of Rizwan at a crucial juncture which shifted momentum in India’s favor. The Mumbai Indian stalwart was also handed the responsibility of bowling the 19th over and he did superbly giving away only 3 runs apart from picking the crucial wicket of Iftikhar Ahmed.
Predicted XIs
United States of America: Steven Taylor, Monank Patel ©, (wk), Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Nitish Kumar, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan
India: Rohit Sharma ©, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
Prediction
The USA cricket team is doing surprisingly well in their first ICC Cricket World Cup. They’ve pulled off a major upset already, and now they’re eyeing a victory against powerhouse India.
However, it will be an arduous task as India are coming off a great victory against their arch-rivals. We can expect India to dominate the proceedings and win the game without any difficulty in New York.