NEWS
Follow UsIndia made it to the Super Eights of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 after beating an impressive United States of America (USA) side in their third group match in New York—a venue that posed a considerable challenge for all batting sides. They will move to Florida for the final league game against Canada before carrying forward their Super Eight journey in the Caribbean.
Even in the USA clash, it wasn’t easy for the Indian side. Chasing just 111, they were three down for 39 before a stoic partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube bailed India out for a seven-wicket win. Rohit Sharma stated that playing here was tough but added that they will carry a lot of confidence going into the next phase.
“Knew it would be tough. Credit to us for the way we held our nerve and got that partnership. Credit to Surya and Dube for showing the maturity and taking us through. Rohit Sharma said in the post-match presentation. “It is a big relief. Playing cricket here wasn't easy. We had to stick through till the end in all 3 games. Will take a lot of confidence from these wins.”
Arshdeep Singh provided an early breakthrough for India, and other bowlers kept it really tight in the middle overs to ensure that runs didn’t come easily for the hosts. Rohit stated that the responsibility invariably fell on their shoulders, and they carried that responsibility really well. “We knew bowlers had to take the lead. Run-scoring was difficult. All the bowlers did the job, particularly Arshdeep.”
Suryakumar Yadav was under some pressure for failing to turn up in big games, but when India needed him to ace the chase, he delivered. Speaking on that, Rohit felt it was expected from a player of Suryakumar’s caliber.
“He showed he has a different game to him, that's what you expect from experienced players. Credit to the way he stuck through today to take the game deep and win it for us.”
In the last two games, Arshdeep Singh conceded 35 and 31 runs, respectively, while picking one wicket each. But he repaid the faith by picking four wickets in the USA clash. The pacer stated that he had a simple plan of not giving away too many easy runs in the process and that worked in his favour.
“Very, very happy with the performance. In the last two games, I gave away a little more runs, and wasn't happy with that. The team always showed belief in me and kept backing me, I had to deliver for them. The wicket is very conducive to fast bowlers and it's helping us get some seam movement,” Arshdeep said.
“The plan was simple, pitch it in the wicket and let the ball do the talking. Don't give easy balls to score, our batsmen are also facing difficulties to score runs. The plan was to hit the hard lengths. In conditions like this, you can use the wicket more.”
Meanwhile, stand-in USA skipper Aaron Jones stated that they were “10-15 runs short” but will now recalibrate ahead of the next clash against Ireland. Winning that game might ensure a place in the Super Eights.
“10-15 runs short,” Jones said. “If we got 130 then it would have been a tough total, that's how it goes sometimes. The boys were very disciplined, really proud of the bowling unit. Feels good, this is what we wanted for USA cricket, enjoying it.
“We will recalibrate now, have a few meetings and come back strong. The wicket was a bit tricky, more suited for seam bowling. That's why no spin. Mostly he (Monank Patel) should be fit for the last game, just got a slight niggle,” the skipper added.
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