Cricket

The T20 World Cup Group A is set for a thrilling conclusion as India and USA face off in a crucial match that will determine the fate of both teams. India, the 2007 champions, are aiming for a hat-trick of wins to secure their place in the 'Super 8' phase, while USA, the tournament debutants, have stunned the cricketing world with their giant-killing performances.USA's remarkable run began with a historic bilateral series win over Bangladesh, followed by an upset victory against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. They continued their winning streak by defeating Canada in the tournament opener. With two wins in two matches, USA are unbeaten in the tournament and pose a significant threat to India's qualification hopes.However, India's victory over Pakistan in a thrilling contest has put them in the driver's seat. The win propelled India to the top of Group A, followed by USA, Pakistan, Canada, and Ireland.Impact of India vs USA Match on 'Super 8' Qualification:If India Wins:* India will advance to the 'Super 8s', joining South Africa and Australia.* Pakistan's campaign will receive a lifeline, but they will need India to win by a significant margin to improve their net run rate.* USA will have a chance to qualify for the 'Super 8s' with a win over Ireland in their last match.If USA Wins:* USA will qualify for the 'Super 8s'.* Pakistan, Canada, and Ireland will be eliminated from contention.* India will need to win their last match against Canada to join USA in the 'Super 8s'.The India vs USA match is a must-win for both teams, and the outcome will have a significant impact on the qualification scenario for the 'Super 8' phase.

Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan Equals Rohit Sharma's Record, Sets Unwanted Mark in T20 World CupPakistan's Mohammad Rizwan has etched his name alongside India's Rohit Sharma in the annals of T20 international cricket. During Pakistan's emphatic seven-wicket victory over Canada in the T20 World Cup, Rizwan equaled Sharma's remarkable record of most half-centuries as an opener in the format.Rizwan's 50-run knock in just 71 innings propelled him to the milestone, matching Sharma's tally of 30 fifties. However, Rizwan achieved this feat in significantly fewer innings than Sharma, who required 118 innings to reach the same landmark.While Rizwan's achievement is a testament to his consistent brilliance, he also inadvertently set an unwanted record in the T20 World Cup. His 52-ball half-century against Canada became the slowest fifty (by balls faced) in the tournament's history.South Africa's David Miller previously held the record for the slowest fifty in the T20 World Cup, having scored a 50-ball half-century against the Netherlands earlier this year.Despite the slow pace of his innings, Rizwan's contribution was crucial in Pakistan's victory. His opening partnership with Babar Azam laid the foundation for a comfortable chase, with Azam scoring a blistering 53 off just 38 deliveries.Pakistan's captain Babar Azam remains third on the list of most half-centuries as an opener in T20Is, with 28 to his name. Australia's David Warner, with 27 half-centuries in 98 innings, rounds out the top four.Rizwan's record-equaling performance and unwanted milestone highlight his status as one of the most prolific batters in T20 cricket. As Pakistan continues its T20 World Cup campaign, Rizwan will be looking to add to his tally of half-centuries and help his team achieve success on the global stage.

Australia's dominance in the Twenty20 World Cup continued as they cruised into the Super Eights stage with a resounding nine-wicket victory over Namibia in Antigua. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa was the star of the show, claiming four wickets for just 12 runs in his four overs, the lowest total Australia has ever restricted an opponent to in T20 international cricket.Zampa's mesmerizing spell, which included the dismissal of Namibia's top-scorer Gerhard Erasmus, saw the Namibian batting lineup skittled out for a paltry 72 runs in 17 overs. The Australian bowlers were relentless, with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Marcus Stoinis all chipping in with wickets.In response, Australia's openers David Warner and Travis Head made light work of the Namibian bowling attack. Warner smashed a quickfire 20 off just eight deliveries before Head took over, smashing an unbeaten 34 from 17 balls to guide Australia to victory within six overs.Zampa's performance was particularly impressive, as he became the first Australian male cricketer to reach the milestone of 100 wickets in the shortest format of international cricket. His final scalp, a classic dismissal that saw him clean bowl Bernard Scholtz through the gate, etched his name in the record books."Just trying to do my thing, mate," remarked a modest Zampa, who was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match accolade. "We're happy, it's the first step in trying to take the trophy home but a long way to go."Australia will conclude their Group B fixture against Scotland in St Lucia on Saturday, while Namibia will remain in Antigua to lock horns with England on the same day.

In a thrilling encounter at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, India's bowlers, led by the exceptional Jasprit Bumrah, snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Pakistan in the Men's T20 World Cup.Chasing a modest target of 120, Pakistan appeared to be cruising at the halfway stage, sitting comfortably at 57/1. However, the Indian pace attack, spearheaded by Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, turned the tide dramatically.Bumrah, in particular, was sensational, bowling an incisive spell of 3/14, including 15 dot balls. His wickets included the crucial scalp of Pakistan's captain, Mohammad Rizwan. Pandya also chipped in with 2/24, while Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Axar Patel took a wicket each.Pakistan's batting implosion was a stark contrast to their promising start. After losing Babar Azam early, Rizwan and Shan Masood put on a 50-run partnership. However, once Rizwan departed, the Pakistani innings crumbled, with wickets falling in quick succession.Pakistan great Waqar Younis was scathing in his criticism of his team's performance. "India is such a good balanced side. If they don't bat well, they know they have got Bumrah, they have got Siraj, they have got Jadeja. They have got their bowling also really really covered and fielding also. They are a super team. And Pakistan if you can't win this game, then what should I say? This was in the plate given to you and you really spilled it," Younis said.Bumrah's performance was a testament to his status as one of the world's best bowlers. His ability to bowl with accuracy, pace, and swing proved too much for the Pakistani batsmen.India's victory was a remarkable turnaround after their disappointing batting performance. Rishabh Pant top-scored with 42 off 31 balls, but the rest of the Indian batsmen struggled against the Pakistani bowlers.Despite their batting woes, India's bowlers showed their resilience and determination. They never gave up on the game, even when Pakistan seemed to be in control. Their performance was a testament to the team's fighting spirit and their belief in their abilities.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup Super 8 hopes suffered a major setback after their disappointing loss to arch-rivals India in New York. Despite restricting India to a modest total of 119, Pakistan's batting lineup faltered, falling short by six runs.Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja expressed his frustration over Pakistan's inability to chase down the small target. He believes India's poor batting performance inadvertently benefited Pakistan by preventing them from reaching a more challenging total.Raja criticized wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan for his reckless shot selection at a crucial moment. With Pakistan in control of the chase, Rizwan attempted a risky pull shot over midwicket, resulting in his dismissal.Raja emphasized the importance of temperament in such situations, stating that Pakistan only needed a solid partnership to secure victory. He believes Rizwan's unnecessary shot-making cost Pakistan the match.Pakistan now face a must-win scenario in their upcoming game against Ireland. A defeat would eliminate them from the group stage, while India needs a win against USA to advance to the next round.

At the tender age of 18, Saurabh Netravalkar's dream of representing India in international cricket seemed within reach. However, as fate would have it, that aspiration remained unfulfilled. Now, at 32, Netravalkar finds himself on the cusp of an extraordinary opportunity to bowl against his nation of birth at the prestigious Twenty20 World Cup.When India and the United States clash on Wednesday at Long Island's Nassau County International Stadium, a billion ardent cricket enthusiasts back in India will be watching the left-arm United States pacer with bated breath. Netravalkar, who hails from Mumbai, will be joined by another U.S. player of Indian lineage, Alabama-born Nosthush Kenjige, as they face off against India's illustrious batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.Despite being the tournament favorite, India will approach the match with cautious optimism, having witnessed the U.S. orchestrate a stunning upset in world cricket by vanquishing Pakistan on Thursday. Netravalkar, who showcased his skills at the junior level for India, is now a key member of the U.S. team that has taken the tournament by storm.Netravalkar's journey to the U.S. was driven by a well-defined strategy. After failing to secure a lucrative Indian Premier League contract, he embarked on a master's degree in computer engineering at Cornell University in 2015. A decade later, his prowess with the ball propelled his team to a thrilling Super Over victory against former champions Pakistan.Kenjige's path to success was equally challenging. Despite failing to secure a contract in a local T20 league in Karnataka, India, he ventured to the U.S. to further his education while nurturing his cricketing ambitions. His perseverance paid off as Kenjige claimed three crucial wickets against Pakistan, showcasing his crafty left-arm spin.American batter Aaron Jones has also made a significant impact in the tournament, amassing a scintillating 94 off a mere 40 deliveries as the U.S. effortlessly chased down Canada's formidable total of 194.India and the U.S. currently sit atop Group A, having secured two victories apiece. The U.S. requires just one more win in its remaining two fixtures—against India and Ireland—to cement its place in the Super Eight. Such an achievement would mark a significant milestone for the sport in the country and wholly vindicate the ICC's bold decision to grant co-hosting rights to the U.S..India, on the other hand, is acutely aware that one more victory will guarantee its progression to the next round. The stage is set for an epic showdown between two nations with a shared cricketing heritage, as Netravalkar and Kenjige prepare to face off against their former countrymen.

The United States' triumph over Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, highlighting the growing prowess of the American team. Despite cricket's relative obscurity in the US compared to its immense popularity in nations like England, the US team has made a resounding statement.Cricket, with its unique terminology and gameplay, shares some similarities with baseball, but the differences are significant. The purposeful bouncing of the ball by the pitcher and the scoring of runs through various means set cricket apart.This year's T20 World Cup has brought cricket to the forefront in the US, with matches taking place across New York, Texas, Florida, and the Caribbean. The US team, with a history dating back to the mid-19th century, is set to face India on Wednesday in Long Island, a match that is expected to draw a passionate crowd from the South Asian diaspora.Despite the anticipated support for India, the American team, comprising players with roots in cricket hotbeds such as India, Pakistan, South Africa, and the Caribbean, remains unfazed. Aaron Jones, the team's top batter, expressed excitement at the prospect of playing against the best in the world, including Indian stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma."I think the crowd will be supporting both teams, to be honest," Jones said. "We have a lot of Indian players on our team as well. So, I think the crowd will be supporting both teams."The United States' victory against Pakistan was unexpected, but it has positioned them well in the tournament. A win against India would further solidify their standing, but even a loss would not eliminate them from contention. The team's focus remains on the match at hand, with the goal of advancing to the Super 8 stage of the competition."With cricket being one of the biggest sports in the world, it’s only a matter of time before the majority of people come on board as it relates to American born and raised people," Jones said. "I think America is a place where people love sports and obviously this World Cup is going to open the eyes of a lot of people, and then in a few years obviously with cricket being in the Olympics, that’s a very big thing as well."As cricket gains momentum in the United States, with its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the establishment of the Major League Cricket professional circuit, the sport is poised for a resurgence in the country. The T20 World Cup serves as a platform to showcase the talent and potential of the US team, and their success could be instrumental in garnering support and enthusiasm for cricket among American-born and raised individuals.

Nisarg Patel, a seasoned all-rounder for the USA cricket team, is eagerly anticipating a reunion with Indian cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Patel, who met the duo during the 2006 U-19 World Cup, is now part of the senior USA team that will face India in a crucial match.Patel's journey in cricket began in India, where he was born and raised. He relocated to the US in 2003 and made his international debut for the USA in the 2006 U-19 World Cup. Despite the team's early exit, Patel had the opportunity to interact with Sharma and Jadeja, who were then rising stars in Indian cricket.Now, 18 years later, Patel is excited to face India once again. He believes that the USA team has the potential to cause an upset, similar to their victory over Pakistan. "We are a balanced side with experienced players who can perform under any situation and condition," he said.Patel's admiration for Sharma and Jadeja is evident. He considers Sharma a versatile performer and Bumrah an exceptional bowler. He also draws inspiration from MS Dhoni, praising his leadership skills and batting prowess.Patel's meeting with batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and legendary spinner Shane Warne during the Legends Masters League was a memorable experience. He served as a net bowler and learned valuable lessons from these cricketing greats.Regarding the drop-in pitches used in the T20 World Cup, Patel expressed excitement. "All we've heard is that these are true wickets and really exciting ones," he said.Patel's passion for cricket is evident in his words. He believes that the sport is gaining popularity in the US, with large crowds attending matches. "It's an opportunity to bring the whole community together," he said.As the USA team prepares to face India, Patel is confident in their abilities. "We know how to handle it. They know how to perform in any situation," he said.

Axar Patel's unsung heroics played a pivotal role in India's victory over Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The allrounder's versatility and adaptability proved invaluable for the team.Patel's batting depth allowed India to promote him up the order to face the moving ball and protect more experienced batters. His crucial 20 runs off 18 balls in a partnership with Rishabh Pant helped stabilize the innings.Moreover, Patel's bowling flexibility was evident in the 16th over, where he effectively shut down a left-hand batter with the shorter leg-side boundary and favorable wind. His ability to bowl to both left- and right-hand batters gives India a tactical advantage.Patel's selection in the squad and starting XI was unconventional, as India typically opts for an offspinner instead of two left-arm spinners. However, the team's decision to field both Patel and Ravindra Jadeja has paid off, especially considering the limited number of left-hand batters faced so far.Despite Patel's impressive performances, the absence of Kuldeep Yadav, India's only left-arm wristspinner, has raised questions. Bowling coach Paras Mhambrey explained that Yadav's exclusion is not a reflection of his skills but rather a matter of team balance.The seam-friendly pitches in New York have necessitated the inclusion of three seamers, while the abundance of right-hand batters has reduced the need for a left-arm wristspinner. However, Mhambrey acknowledged that Yadav may be called upon later in the tournament, especially if India faces more left-hand batters or needs additional penetration in the spin department.The choice between Patel and Jadeja remains a difficult one. Patel's versatility as a T20 batter gives him an edge, but Jadeja's vast experience and proven match-winning abilities cannot be overlooked.