After an impressive beginning to their T20 World Cup campaign, India aims to maintain their winning streak as they take on co-hosts USA in a crucial Group A match in New York on Wednesday. The USA, having already earned the reputation of giant killers with their victory over Pakistan, is now set to challenge another Asian powerhouse. Both teams currently top the Group A standings and are strong contenders to advance to the Super 8 stage. The winner of this encounter will secure a spot in the next round.
Rohit Sharma's side displayed commanding form in their opening match against Ireland, securing a dominant 8-wicket victory. However, their second game against Pakistan proved more challenging. The Indian batting line up struggled, with Rishabh Pant being the sole standout performer, scoring 42 runs off 31 balls. India's total of 119 looked underwhelming at the midway point. Nevertheless, Jasprit Bumrah and his fellow bowlers excelled in the defence, limiting Pakistan to 113/7 in their 20 overs.
For the upcoming game against the USA, India may tweak their line up. Kuldeep Yadav is likely to rejoin the squad, though it remains to be seen who will be benched to accommodate him. It’s possible that Ravindra Jadeja or one of the fast bowlers could be rested for this match.
India's Probable XI
- Rohit Sharma (captain)
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Shivam Dube
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Arshdeep Singh
The USA team has shown remarkable progress in this T20 World Cup, with victories over Canada and Pakistan in their first two matches. They narrowly defeated Pakistan in a thrilling Super Over. India-born pacer Saurabh Netravalkar played a key role, holding his nerve as Pakistan, the 2022 T20 World Cup runners-up and 2009 champions, could only manage 13-1 in the Super Over. Netravalkar will now aim to showcase his bowling skills against India, the country he represented at the Under-19 level.
USA's Probable XI
- Steven Taylor
- Monank Patel (captain and wicketkeeper)
- Andries Gous
- Aaron Jones
- Nitish Kumar
- Corey Anderson
- Harmeet Singh
- Jasdeep Singh
- Nosthush Kenjige
- Saurabh Netravalkar
- Ali Khan
As both teams prepare for this decisive match, the stakes are high. Victory will secure a place in the Super 8s, making this a must-watch clash in Group A.