The USA team has made an impressive start in the World Cup, winning both of their initial games and living up to their pre-tournament claims of “eating” any opposition that comes their way. US player Ali Khan boldly declared before the tournament, “We are hungry, and are going to try to eat whoever comes in our way. I am sure the USA will do some upsets in the World Cup.” True to his words, the USA triumphed over Pakistan. However, a significant challenge awaits them on Wednesday.
Next Opponent: India
India could be a formidable opponent for the USA. While upsets in Twenty20 cricket are not uncommon, this Indian team appears almost unbeatable. They aim to conclude the New York leg of the World Cup with a perfect record. This will be the first time the USA faces India in any format, and they will be up against a squad filled with IPL and T20 veterans.
Challenges and Opportunities
India has a few areas to fine-tune as they advance in the tournament. One concern is the finishing abilities of Ravindra Jadeja, whose strong performance could be crucial, especially against the hosts. India needs Jadeja to be at his best for the later stages of the World Cup.
Hardik Pandya has been effective with his bowling, supporting captain Rohit Sharma well. However, his batting against Pakistan was below par, and a solid performance with the bat is needed to restore his confidence.
Shivam Dube faced significant pressure against Pakistan and needs to quickly adapt, particularly as India will rely on his left-handed batting and six-hitting abilities to counter opponents like Adam Zampa in future matches.
Despite Virat Kohli’s recent struggles, his quality suggests a big innings is imminent, possibly on Wednesday. His partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top is likely to continue, potentially leaving Yashasvi Jaiswal on the bench.
The depth and strength of the Indian team are evident, and the USA will need a remarkable effort to replicate their victory over Pakistan against a team of India’s caliber. However, T20 cricket can be unpredictable.
Match Details
- When: USA vs India, June 12, 10:30 AM Local, 8 PM IST
- Where: Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
- What to Expect: High-scoring game on drop-in pitches in New York. If India bats first, a total over 160 is likely with their strong batting lineup. This match will test the USA team against a formidable opponent.
Head to Head: 0-0. This will be the first T20I encounter between India and the USA.
Team Watch
India
- Injuries/Availability: All players are available. No expected changes from the team that played against Pakistan, though there is always a temptation to include wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Shivam Dube’s position may be under scrutiny, but India tends to give players a long run.
- Tactics & Matchups: India will likely continue with their four-man pace attack. The left-right batting combination was not used against Pakistan, with Axar Patel promoted ahead of regular batsmen. Rishabh Pant has been in excellent form and should continue at No. 3.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh
USA
- Tactics & Matchups: The USA might reconsider their winning bowling combination due to the strong left-handers in India’s lineup. Corey Anderson’s role with the bat has been minimal so far, but he may be crucial against India’s spinners Patel and Jadeja. Anderson’s experience and power could be pivotal in this high-stakes match.
Probable XI: Steven Taylor, Monank Patel (c & wk), Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Nitish Kumar, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan
Did You Know?
- India has successfully defended sub-150 totals four times in T20Is, with Jasprit Bumrah playing in each of those matches, earning two Player of the Match awards.
- Five members of the USA squad were born in India: Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singh, Ronak Patel, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Nisarg Patel.
- Harmeet Singh dismissed Ross Taylor in his only IPL game for Rajasthan Royals under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy.
Squads:
- India: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal
- United States: Steven Taylor, Monank Patel (c & wk), Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Nitish Kumar, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Nisarg Patel, Shayan Jahangir, Milind Kumar, Shadley van Schalkwyk