USA cricket team managed to do the unthinkable against Pakistan at the T20I World Cup 2024. However, against Rohit Sharma's India, it was a different story as the Men In Blue ended the home side's winning streak on June 12. India won the match by 7 wickets, with 10 balls left yet the win was not as smooth as one expected.
India had a good first innings with Arshdeep Singh taking over and dismissing wickets after wickets and the crowd went wild when Mohammed Siraj caught a blinder that brought a huge sigh of relief to the team. The run chase started on a disappointing note as fan favorites Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were unable to make an impact on the pitch. Rishab Pant too, was soon dismissed and the US fans were cheering louder than ever.
MATCH REPORT | Arshdeep, Suryakumar ensure Men In Blue seal Super Eight berth in style
India always maintained a winning streak with its associates during the tournament and it was Suryakumar and Shivam Dube who ensured the record remained intact in New York. With cautious and calculated batting, India was able to cross the 111-run target to win the match to qualify for the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup.
Following are a few top reactions to the T20 WC tie between India and the USA:
• Yuvraj Singh impressed by Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj showcased splendid fielding during the India vs USA match, catching the most essential ball of Saurabh Netriwal who was on a steady strike rhythm. Deservingly, he received the best fielder award. While presenting the award, former Indin all-rounder Yuvraj Singh took a moment to applaud the seamer. Yuvraj praised the blinder that was taken by Siraj, which was crucial for the Indian team. Additionally, he ensured to commend Arshdeep Singh and Suryakumar Yadav who proved to be the players that the Indian team could rely on crucial moments.
In a video uploaded by the BCCI, Yuvraj Singh said, “Arshdeep congratulations for the Player of the Match and your batting skills last game also. SKY (Suryakumar Yadav) well played, very unlike Suryakumar but according to the situation. Shivam well done, very good to see you getting runs and finishing the match for India. Well done, all the best guys. I’m pretty sure you, no pressure, enjoy. Of course, Best fielder of the game, Siraj game changer, great catch,”
• Ricky Ponting accurately predicting Virat Kohli’s dismissal
Virat Kohli, who has one of the best strike rates in T20I, opened the second innings alongside Rohit Sharma. What came as a shock to the viewers was Virat Kohli’s dismissal on the very first ball by Saurabh Netravalkar. Yet it was not so surprising to the former Australian captain Ricky Ponting as he had predicted there would be a downfall of Virat Kohli’s batting during their match against USA.
Prior to Kohli’s dismissal, Ponting had few predictions which later proved accurate. He said, “All the homework they (India) would've done would be about Netravalkar swinging the ball back into the right-hander, this one didn't, it was pushed across ... what a breakthrough.”
He analyzed how Ireland and Pakistan players were bowling a lot wider and Netravalkar is a medium pacer bowler and accurately identified Virat Kohli’s weakness of shorter as well as wider deliveries, leaving viewers shocked with his perfect prediction.
• Varun Aaron praises Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh received the Man Of The Match during India vs USA match for his splendid bowling where he took 4 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 2.20. The former Indian bowler sung only praises for the young cricketer and mentioned how much the player has improved ever since the Indian Premier League 2024.
While speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Varun Aron said, “He has been getting the ball to shape back really effortlessly and at regular intervals, which we didn't see that much in the IPL. It's really important that he takes a lot of confidence from this game into the other games, especially the Super 8s. And especially these games are more about execution, and he executed really well.”
• Ravi Shastri awestruck by Mohammed Siraj
The former player and head coach of the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri, was one of the commentators during the India vs USA match. When Mohammed Siraj caught the ball, removing Nitish Kumar from the pitch, Ravi Shastri only had high praises for the player.
Ravi Shastri commented, “What a catch, What a catch that is! Mohammed Siraj has pulled off a blinder. This is magnificent,”
• Navjot Singh Sidhu on Indian bowling
It was Jasprit Bumrah's first wicketless game of the tournament. This in no way questions the bowler’s ability as he gave only 25 runs in his four overs. The Indian bowlers have proven their capability without Jasprit Bumrah as Arshdeep Singh stepped forward and played a key role for India’s win against the USA. Even Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel have proven to support Jasprit Bumrah, making India a dominant bowling unit. Navjot Singh Sidhu, former Indian cricket player credited the impressive run India has been having.
He said during an interaction with Star Sports, “Indian bowlers have worked as a unit. Arshdeep has given the team good starts, which has permitted Bumrah to put more pressure on the rivals. He alone can’t win matches for India.”
He added, “He (Jasprit Bumrah) needs support from the other end and his teammates have given that. Look at Hardik Pandya. He has been taking wickets in every match. So it is the collective effort. Bumrah alone can’t win matches for the team. This is the first time I am seeing that bowlers are winning all the contests for India,”
