Top five key battles to watch out for in USA vs IND match No. 25 in ICC T20 World Cup 2024

The 25th match of ICC T20 World Cup 2024, USA vs IND, will be played in New York on Wednesday.

Team India entered ICC T20 World Cup 2024 as one of the contenders to win the tournament and they have started similarly. India have beaten Ireland and Pakistan and are at the top of Group A. But they will be challenged by darkhorses of the tournament, United States of America (USA), who have been brilliant in this tournament.

These two teams will face each other on Wednesday at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York. India can’t write off the USA after the way co-hosts beat Canada and Pakistan in consecutive games. This game is important because whoever wins it, will secure a place in Super 8 round of the tournament.

USA vs IND: Head-to-head

There is no history between these two teams as this will be the first cricket match to be played between India and the USA.

USA vs IND: Top five player battles to watch out for

1. Rohit Sharma vs Saurabh Netravalkar

Rohit Sharma has been one strong pillar of the Indian batting unit at the top. Virat Kohli has struggled so far as opener and that is where the role of Rohit has become crucial. He took India home in the first game and started well against Pakistan. Rohit looked like one of the best Indian batters on this tricky pitch.

But his record against left-arm pacers isn’t that great. He will be up against Mumbai-born USA pacer Saurabh Netravalkar, who was USA’s hero against Pakistan. The left-arm pacer brings the ball into right-handers and his angle will be hard to bat against at this venue. So Rohit would need to survive his opening spell.

2. Virat Kohli vs Nosthush Kenjige

Irrespective of low scores in the last two games, Virat Kohli is still India’s biggest match-winner with the bat. His stature and presence is enough to put pressure on opposition. Hence, he will be a big wicket in this game. Moreover, Virat’s technique and style of play will be well suited for this pitch.

That’s where Nosthush Kenjige can come good. The left-arm spinner bowls a tight line and some of his balls turn while others do not, which creates doubt in the batter’s mind. Virat finds it tough to bat against a left-arm spinner and Kenjige can trouble him in this USA vs IND clash.

3. Aaron Jones vs Jasprit Bumrah

With two matches, two wins, and two important innings, Aaron Jones has been the star for the co-hosts in two games. He blew Ireland away and then played a calculated innings against Pakistan. Jones is in good form and he will be up for the Indian challenge, but can he tackle Jasprit Bumrah?

Bumrah is probably the world’s best all-format bowler at the moment and he has shown that in this tournament already. Two games and two Man of the Match awards. He is bowling smartly and will look to get the wicket of USA’s best batter.

4. Andries Gous vs Hardik Pandya

Born in South Africa, Andries Gous has been another USA batter who has found success in this tournament. He has played two important innings in two games, that have helped his team win the matches. Gous is a confident batter and he will be looking to take on the Indian bowlers.

But he will be up against Hardik Pandya in the middle overs, who is using the conditions pretty well. Hardik is bowling at short length and has taken five wickets so far. He will be trying to bowl the same length against Gous and the batter plays short balls pretty well.

5. Rishabh Pant vs Ali Khan

Rishabh Pant has been one Indian batter who has scored runs in both matches. He is doing one thing right, which is to play freely because you never know which ball has your name on it. Pant will keep playing his shots and try to scoop the ball behind the wicket.

But doing so against a slingy bowler like Ali Khan can be a bit challenging. The USA bowler has immense experience of playing in T20 leagues around the world and is a specialist in death bowling. So, it will be Pant’s courage against Ali Khan’s skills.

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