USA scored 110/8 in 20 overs, where as India scored 111/3 in 18.2 overs.
So, finally India beat USA by 7 wickets.
It took a gritty fourth-wicket partnership and some determined batting for India to overcome a spirited challenge from the United States and secure a seven-wicket victory.
Playing in the final match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, India became the first team from Group A to book a berth in the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Arshdeep Singh’s stellar bowling performance (4-9), supported by Hardik Pandya’s effective spells, helped India restrict the USA to 110/8 after Rohit Sharma opted to bowl on a challenging surface.
In response, the USA put India under pressure with early wickets and tight bowling.
However, Surya Kumar Yadav (50* off 49) and Shivam Dube (31* off 35) forged an unbeaten 67-run partnership off 65 deliveries, steering India to victory with 10 balls to spare.
The difference: Death overs and crucial penalty runs
Run-scoring was difficult for both teams throughout the match, and India’s progress in the chase was neck and neck with the USA.
India needed 35 runs in the last five overs but received a crucial boost with five bonus runs before the start of the 16th over, as the USA was penalized for breaching the 60-second rule for the third time.
This penalty, the first of its kind in T20Is, allowed India to reach their target with over an over to spare.
“10-15 runs short,” remarked stand-in captain Aaron Jones, noting the impact of the penalty runs.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Powerplay: Arshdeep strikes put USA in a choke Phase score: 18/2 [RR: 3.00, 4s/6s: 0/1]
The USA was in early trouble, losing two wickets in the first over.
Arshdeep struck with the first ball, trapping Shayan Jahangir (replacing an injured Monank Patel) with an inswinging delivery and later had Andries Gous caught with a short delivery.
Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah maintained pressure with tight spells, resulting in the USA registering the lowest powerplay score in T20Is against India and the third lowest in this World Cup.
Middle overs: USA make steady progress Phase score: 63/3 [RR: 7.00, 4s/6s: 2/4]
The USA struggled for momentum, with Aaron Jones falling to Pandya’s bowling.
Steven Taylor and Nitish Kumar formed a useful 31-run stand, which included a straight six off Axar Patel.
However, Axar bowled Taylor off an inside edge.
Nitish played some good shots, including a six and a four off Pandya, but Arshdeep ended his innings with an excellent catch by Siraj.
Death overs: Arshdeep, Pandya help India restrict USA Phase score: 29/3 [RR: 5.80, 4s/6s: 2/1]
Corey Anderson and Harmeet Singh attempted to boost the score with some aggressive shots, but Pandya and Arshdeep’s effective bowling restricted the USA.
Pandya finished with figures of 2-14, and Arshdeep’s figures of 4-9 were the best by an Indian bowler in the T20 World Cup.
The USA finished at 110/8.
INDIA
Powerplay: Netravalkar strikes early to keep India quiet Phase score: 33/2 [RR: 5.50, 4s/6s: 1/2]
India had a shaky start, with Virat Kohli getting out for a golden duck to Saurabh Netravalkar.
Rohit Sharma fell soon after, and Surya Kumar Yadav had to get his thumb strapped after being hit.
Despite some big shots from Rishabh Pant and Surya Kumar, the USA kept India quiet, leading to their lowest powerplay score in this World Cup.
Middle overs: Surya Kumar, Dube put on a hardworking stand Phase score: 43/1 [RR: 4.77, 4s/6s: 2/1]
After the powerplay, India faced another setback as Pant was bowled by Ali Khan.
Runs were hard to come by, with a boundary drought lasting 32 deliveries.
Surya Kumar and Dube struggled but gradually built a steady partnership, with Dube hitting a six off Anderson to break the pressure.
Death overs: Surya Kumar, Dube help India into Super 8 Phase score: 35/0 [RR: 10.51, 4s/6s: 1/1]
Penalty runs awarded to India before the 16th over gave them a crucial advantage.
Surya Kumar and Dube accelerated the scoring, with Surya Kumar hitting a six and a four off van Schalkwyk.
Surya Kumar’s fifty and Dube’s composed batting ensured India reached the target with more than an over to spare, securing their third straight win and the highest successful run-chase at this venue.
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