Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and World No.1 T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav delivered stellar performances to propel India to a seven-wicket victory over the USA in New York on Wednesday, securing their spot in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024. India produced a dominant bowling performance to restrict the USA to 110 for 8 before chasing down the target in 18.2 overs with Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube remaining not out on 34 and 18 respectively for a seven-wicket win.
With three wins in a row, India thus stormed into the Super Eight from Group A with a match in hand. The Rohit Sharma-led take on Canada at Lauderhill, Florida in their concluding Group A fixture on Saturday. For the USA, it was their first loss in three games and they now face Ireland in their must-win Group A fixture on Friday.
Arshdeep Singh delivered a stellar performance, achieving career-best figures of 4/9 as India limited co-hosts USA to a modest 110 for 8 in a Group ‘A’ match of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday. Following impressive batting displays in their previous victories, the USA batters struggled against India’s superior pace attack. The hosts never managed to break free from India’s tight grip throughout the match. Despite a slow start, scoring only 42 in the first 10 overs, USA managed to add 68 more in the final 10, thanks to contributions from Nitish Kumar (27), Steven Taylor (24), and former New Zealand international Corey Anderson (15).
Arshdeep’s initial breakthroughs set the tone for India as he struck on the first ball, trapping Shayan Jahangir lbw for a duck, and then dismissed Andries Gous (2) on the last ball of the same over. His exceptional performance included 17 dot balls, showcasing his skill both at the beginning and the end of the innings. The Powerplay saw the USA managing only 18 runs, with skipper Aaron Jones (11) hitting a solitary six off Mohammed Siraj before falling to Hardik Pandya (2/14 in 4 overs). Jones top-edged a short delivery, resulting in an easy catch for Siraj at deep fine leg.
The match also allowed Indian captain Rohit Sharma to test Shivam Dube (0/11 in 1 over), who struggled with both bat and ball. Opener Taylor, having survived the Powerplay, hit a six off Axar Patel but was soon bowled while attempting another big shot. Nitish Kumar (27 off 23 balls) provided some resistance with powerful shots, including a straight drive and a maximum off Pandya. Anderson supported with a slog sweep for six off Axar. However, a brilliant catch by Siraj at mid-wicket ended Nitish’s innings, leaving the USA at 81 for 5. With Nitish’s departure, USA’s hopes of reaching 120 were dashed, and India maintained their dominance to restrict the hosts to 110 for 8.
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