Cricket

Shivam Dube, the big-hitting all-rounder from India, has struggled to adapt to the two-paced tracks at the T20 World Cup in New York. Accustomed to the belters in India, Dube found the conditions in Nassau County so challenging that he likened it to playing a Ranji Trophy game.Despite his initial struggles, Dube regained some form with a composed 35-ball 31 in India's seven-wicket win over the USA. The victory propelled India into the Super Eight stage of the tournament, which will be played entirely in the West Indies."I was struggling with my form and focusing on my process," Dube said about his previous failures against Ireland and Pakistan. "But here, there was no pressure. All the support staff and coaches backed me and told me, 'It's difficult, but you have the ability to hit sixes, so apply it.'"Dube acknowledged that the conditions in New York require a different approach than what he is used to in the Indian Premier League (IPL). "These conditions do not demand what I've done at CSK. These conditions require a different approach, so I was batting differently today," he said.Despite his struggles with the bat, Dube has enjoyed bowling on these tracks. "It's definitely better to bowl here," he said. "I would have bowled more but was hit for a six and didn't get the opportunity."Dube also commented on the difficult conditions for batting in the makeshift stadium without proper stands for spectators. "Because of the backdrop, it's a bit difficult. Moreover, there is a lot of light, so it's a bit difficult to judge the ball," he said.Regarding Virat Kohli's poor form, Dube said, "There is nothing I can say about Virat Kohli because I'm not Virat Kohli. His bad patch means he got out cheaply a couple of times but will come back scoring hundreds in the next three matches. We all know his game and how he plays."

Virat Kohli's struggles in the ongoing T20 World Cup continued on Wednesday as he fell for a golden duck against USA in New York. This marked his second consecutive duck in the tournament, following his dismissal for 1 against Ireland and 4 against Pakistan. Kohli's poor form has raised concerns about his place in the Indian team, especially considering his recent struggles in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Kohli's golden duck against USA was his second-ever in T20Is and his first in a T20 World Cup. It was also the sixth time he has been dismissed for a duck in the shortest format of the game. The Indian batting maestro has not managed to reach double figures in his last four T20I innings, a worrying sign for a player of his caliber.Despite Kohli's struggles, India managed to restrict USA to a modest total of 110/8 in their Group A match. Arshdeep Singh was the star performer for India, claiming impressive figures of 4-9. Hardik Pandya also chipped in with two wickets, while Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah picked up one wicket each.In response, India chased down the target with relative ease, thanks to a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Sharma scored 41 off 34 balls, while Rahul contributed 30 off 29 deliveries. Suryakumar Yadav provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 26 off 18 balls, guiding India to a comfortable victory.Kohli's poor form remains a concern for India, but the team will be hoping that he can rediscover his touch in the upcoming matches. With the knockout stages approaching, India will need their star batsman to fire if they are to lift the T20 World Cup trophy.

USA Captain Aaron Jones Reflects on Narrow Loss to India in T20 World CupIn the wake of a 7-wicket defeat to India in the ICC T20 World Cup, USA stand-in captain Aaron Jones expressed his belief that a total of 130 would have posed a significant challenge for the "Men in Blue."Despite a valiant bowling effort that saw India struggle to chase down a modest target of 111, Jones acknowledged that his team fell short in the batting department. "10-15 runs short. If we got 130 then it would have been a tough total," he said.Jones praised his bowlers for their discipline and determination, particularly in the early stages of India's chase. However, he lamented the missed opportunities that prevented them from capitalizing on the early dismissals of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma."We were very disciplined and really proud of the bowling unit," Jones said. "Ali Khan came in and dismissed Rishabh Pant with a magnificent delivery, but we couldn't build on that."Looking ahead, Jones emphasized the need for restructuring and recalibration before their crucial match against Ireland on Friday. "We will have a few meetings and come back strong," he added.Jones also provided an update on captain Monank Patel, who missed the India clash due to a niggle. "Mostly he should be fit for the last game," he said.In their final group stage match, the USA will face Ireland with the aim of securing a berth in the Super 8.

India's skipper Rohit Sharma acknowledged the challenges of playing on a newly-laid drop-in pitch at Nassau County ground during the ongoing T20 World Cup. Despite the difficulties, India managed to secure victories in all three of their matches, including the highest successful chase at the venue against USA.Rohit praised the efforts of Arshdeep Singh, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shivam Dube for their key roles in the team's success. He highlighted Suryakumar's ability to adapt his aggressive approach to anchor the chase, while commending Arshdeep's impressive bowling performance.The Indian captain also expressed relief at qualifying for the Super Eight stage, acknowledging the tough competition they faced. He emphasized the importance of sticking together and taking confidence from their wins.Rohit praised the USA cricketers for their progress and hard work. He noted that the team had played together previously and was impressed by their dedication.Arshdeep Singh, who recorded the best T20I figures for India, explained his bowling strategy. He aimed to make the most of the seam-friendly surface, pitching the ball in the wicket and letting it do the talking.USA's stand-in skipper Aaron Jones expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, despite falling short of a competitive total. He praised the bowling unit's discipline and expressed optimism for the future of USA cricket.

USA's Saurabh Netravalkar, the left-arm pacer who rose to fame with his Super Over heroics against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, continued his impressive run against India by claiming the crucial wickets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.Netravalkar's ability to take important wickets has made him a formidable force in international cricket. His success against top-tier opposition has showcased his talent and potential on the global stage.In the Group A clash at the Nassau Stadium in New York, Netravalkar left the crowd in awe as he sent star India batter Kohli for a golden duck. Kohli attempted to navigate a delivery that curved towards the off side but ended up reaching for it, making contact with the ball away from his body. The outside edge carried the ball directly into the gloves of wicketkeeper Andries Gous.Netravalkar gave India another big jolt in his next over with the dismissal of captain Rohit for 3, leaving India 10/2 in their pursuit of 111. It was a full-length delivery that gripped the pitch slightly, causing Rohit to close his bat face too early. The ball took a leading edge and ballooned into the air, with Harmeet Singh running back from mid-off to secure the catch.Mumbai-born Netravalkar played a pivotal role in the USA's stunning victory over former champions Pakistan last week. The 32-year-old delivered a superb performance in the Super Over, securing his side's unexpected win against Pakistan.An alumnus of the prestigious Cornell University and a senior techie (coder) at Oracle, Netravalkar has been juggling academics and cricket with aplomb. Netravalkar, who played for India in the 2010 U-19 World Cup, has shared the dressing room with the likes of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, even playing the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai.

India Chases 111 in ICC T20 World Cup 2024 OpenerThe ICC T20 World Cup 2024 kicked off with a thrilling encounter between the United States and India. India, chasing a modest target of 111, found themselves in a spot of bother at 37/2 after 7.1 overs.Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant were at the crease, looking to steady the Indian innings. Yadav, known for his aggressive batting, played cautiously, defending and nudging the ball around. Pant, on the other hand, showed his characteristic flair, smashing a six over deep backward square leg.The Indian openers faced a disciplined bowling attack from the United States. Jessy Singh, in particular, impressed with his pace and accuracy. He bowled a tight line and length, making it difficult for the Indian batsmen to score freely.Despite the early wickets, India remained confident. They knew that the target was within reach if they could build partnerships and rotate the strike. Yadav and Pant were gradually finding their rhythm, and the Indian fans were hopeful of a strong comeback.The match was evenly poised at the end of the mandatory Powerplay, with India needing 74 runs from 84 balls. The United States bowlers were determined to keep the pressure on, while the Indian batsmen were looking to break free and accelerate the scoring rate.As the match progressed, the tension mounted. Every ball was crucial, and the crowd was on the edge of their seats. The outcome of the match hung in the balance, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for victory.

Arshdeep Singh, the young Indian left-arm fast bowler, has etched his name in the history books of the T20 World Cup by becoming the first player from India to claim a wicket on the very first delivery of a match in the tournament's history.Opening the bowling for India in their Group A match against USA in New York on Wednesday, Arshdeep struck on the very first ball to trap USA opener Shayan Jahangir plumb in front. The delivery was a tricky one, darting back sharply after pitching. It surprised Jahangir, who was caught in the crease. The ball struck him around the knee-roll, and the impact was clearly in front of the off-stump.Jahangir came in as a replacement for skipper Monank Patel, who missed out on this match with a left-shoulder injury. Arshdeep added to USA's woes with another strike in the same over by dismissing in-form Andries Gous.Apart from Arshdeep, only three other bowlers have reached this landmark in the T20 World Cup: Bangladesh's Mashrafe Mortaza, Shapoor Zadran of Afghanistan, and Namibia's Ruben Trumplemann.Bowlers to pick a wicket on first ball of a T20 WC Match:* Mashrafe Mortaza (BAN) vs AFG, 2014* Shapoor Zadran (AFG) vs HK, 2014* Ruben Trumplemann (NAM) vs SCO, 2021* Ruben Trumplemann (NAM) vs OMAN, 2024* Arshdeep Singh (IND) vs USA, 2024Arshdeep's accomplishment placed him alongside Trumplemann and Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi, who also managed to secure two dismissals in their respective first overs during the tournament.

USA Pacer Ali Khan Ready to "Play Fire with Fire" Against Virat KohliAs India and the United States prepare to face off in a T20 World Cup match in New York, USA pacer Ali Khan has expressed his determination to counter the aggression of Indian star Virat Kohli.Khan, who will be playing for the USA side, is not intimidated by Kohli's reputation and is eager to engage in a fiery battle on the field. "He's very passionate on the field, but so am I," Khan said. "On the field, if things get heated up, then they get heated up. I mean, you play fire with fire."Khan's confidence stems from his belief in his own abilities and the support of his team. "I'm not going to back down from anyone," he said. "I'm going to go out there and play my game. I'm going to try to get him out, and I'm going to try to win the game for my team."India, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Pakistan in their opening match of the tournament. The team's batting lineup, led by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, will be eager to prove their worth against an inexperienced USA side.However, the USA team has shown impressive form in the lead-up to the World Cup, and they will be confident of causing an upset. Khan, in particular, has been in excellent form, and he will be a key player for the USA if they are to pull off a victory.The match between India and the USA promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams determined to secure a win. Khan's fiery determination to face Kohli head-on adds an extra layer of intrigue to the match, and it will be fascinating to see how the battle between these two players unfolds.

As India prepares to face the United States of America in a crucial Group A clash of the T20 World Cup 2024, the threat of rain looms over the contest. New York has witnessed frequent rain interruptions in recent matches, including the Pakistan vs. India encounter. While a complete washout is unlikely, rain could still impact the proceedings.According to Accuweather, there is a 25% chance of rain at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. However, during the match hours, the probability drops to a mere 7%.India's batting lineup will be eager to break free from the limitations of the drop-in pitch and unleash their full potential against the inexperienced USA. Despite the unpredictable nature of the track, India will aim to avoid a repeat of their collapse against Pakistan, where they lost seven wickets for just 28 runs.Against the USA, India may adopt a high-risk approach similar to Pakistan's, but with potentially greater rewards. The USA team, a diverse mix of players from various backgrounds, will face a significant challenge in bridging the gap with India.For the Indian-American players on the USA team, such as Saurabh Netravalkar and Harmeet Singh, this match represents a chance to prove themselves against their country of origin. While the track has leveled the playing field to some extent, the USA may find it difficult to overcome the gulf in experience and talent against India.