An enterprising unbeaten 72 runs partnership off 65 balls for the fourth wicket between seasoned campaigners Suryakumar Yadav (50 n.o.) and Shivam Dube (31 n.o.) was the cornerstone of an India’s successful run chase over spirited United States of America side after being set a target of 111 in the ongoing Group A, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on Wednesday night and a place in the Super 8 with a game to spare.  The same came at the back of left arm pacer Arshdeep Singh's (4/9) career-best four over spell which included 17 dots balls complemented well by all-rounder Hardik Pandya (2/14) that saw USA being limited to 110 for 8, after Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to field.

Coming together when the ‘Men in Blue’ were precariously placed at  39 for 3 inside eight overs, the duo took their time in settling down in conditions which required concentration, patience and endurance. Not only they curbed their attacking instinct early on but concentrated on rotating the strike on a two paced pitch exploited well by the USA pacers led by Saurabh Netravalkar (2/18) to ensure India reach 53 at the end of 11 overs.

Needing 58 in the last 9 overs, the Suryakumar however was given a life line two over later by the former U-19 India World Cupper, Saurabh who had played a key role in co-host defeating Pakistan in the super-over earlier in the tourney, accounted for both the Indian openers cheaply in space of eight balls. The ICC World No.1 T20 batter when on 22 in an attempt a play a flick towards the square leg boundary off pacer Shadley van Schalkwyk however towards skied one towards third-man and Saurabh, who was placed at the short third region, ran back but failed to complete the catch.

Spurred by the reprieve Suryakumar broke the shackles with a much-needed boundary, with a flick off pacer an Ali Khan delivery over midwicket and Shivam too got in the groove with a six to the midwicket region off former New Zealander pacer Corey Anderson, after a long gap of 25 balls. Add to it India were awarded five penalties runs in the 16th after the co-host took more than past 60 seconds to start a new over for the third time in the innings, that brought the run-rate to run a ball. Suryakumar soon completed his fifty and Shivam scored the winning runs with a straight drive that fetched him a couple that guided India to their third straight win and also the highest successful run-chase at this venue.

Earlier put in to bat USA lost two wickets in the first over as Arshdeep struck off the first ball of the match, trapping Shayan Jahangir (replacement for an injured USA skipper Monank Patel) for a golden duck and later wicket keeper batter Andries Gous (2) to become the first Indian bowler to do so in a ICC T20 World Cup match.  USA batters including stand-in skipper Aaron Jones (11) found the going tough and managed to score 42 in the first 10. Useful contributions from Nitish Kumar (27), Steven Taylor (24) and former New Zealand international Anderson (15) ensured that they added another 68 in the back-10, against a quality Indian pace

Arshdeep Singh's record figures earned him the Player of the Match award. “I'm very happy with my performance. In the last two games, I gave away too many runs, but I'm pleased with how I bowled today. The management keeps backing me, and I'm glad I could step up.The wicket is helping us fast bowlers get some seam movement. It was good to bowl here, and I tried to hit the right areas. The talk in the dressing room was about not giving away easy balls to score because our batters would have to work hard to get those runs.In these conditions, you can execute your skills and try to take advantage of the conditions. I spoke with Jasprit, and he said to focus on bowling Yorkers, “said Arshdeep Singh

Aaron Jones, United States of America Skipper said  "I would say we were 10-15 runs short on that wicket. If we had reached 120-125, it would have been a tougher total. The boys were pretty disciplined today. I'm proud of how close we got to the win. The crowd support was great. We have been encouraging fans to come out and support USA cricket, and it was good to see them here.We will revamp, travel tomorrow, and come back harder against Ireland in the next game.We didn't use spinners today because the wicket was tricky against seam bowling. I thought the seamers were the best options".

A relieved Rohit Sharma, Indian Skipper added, “We knew it was going to be tough to score those runs. Credit to us for holding our nerves, and to Surya and Dube for taking responsibility and leading the team.I'm very happy to see their progress in cricket. They are getting stronger and I wish them the best. They are hardworking guys making their mark.We knew the bowlers had to lead. Run scoring is difficult here, and all the bowlers did their job, especially Arshdeep. His start was magnificent. Regarding Dube bowling, we want options. We'll use them as needed. Having options moving forward is crucial. Super 8s is a big relief. Playing here wasn't easy. In all three games, you had to stick to the end. Luckily, we managed to pull through in all three. Surya showed his versatility. That's what you expect from experienced players. His partnership with Dube was brilliant and took us home".

Brief Scores (Group A League Match)

United States of America: 110 for 8 in 20 Overs ( Nirish  Kumar  27 (23b: 2x4s, 1x6), Steven Taylor 24 (30b: 2x6s), CJ Anderson 15 (12b: 1x4, 1x6);  Arshdeep Singh 4/9, Hardik Pandya 2/14,  Axar Patel 1/25) lost to  India: 111 for 3 in 18.2 Overs (Suryakumar Yadav 50 (49b: 2x4s, 2x6s), Shivam Dube 31* (35b: 1x4, 1x6), Rishabh Pant 18 (20b: 1x4, 1x6); Saurabh Netravalkar 2/18, Ali Khan 1/21) by 7 wickets and 10 balls to spare. Player of the Match:  Arshdeep Singh (India)