Team India qualify for the Super 8 stage of 2024 T20 World Cup following 7-wicket win over USA
Team India have progressed to the Super 8 stages of the 2024 T20 World Cup after a seven-wicket win over co-hosts United States of America (USA). The Men in Blue had earlier defeated Pakistan and Ireland in Group A to make it three wins on the trot and officially join Australia and South Africa in the next stage of the competition.
The Men in Blue wrapped up the New York leg of the tournament after a gritty win over the USA. Rohit Sharma and company were made to work hard for the points as they were given a 111-run target and were reduced to 10/2 in the third over of the run chase. Virat Kohli was dismissed for a golden duck by Saurabh Netravalkar, and Rohit Sharma followed suit soon after.
An unbeaten half-century by Suryakumar Yadav and a sluggish knock by Shivam Dube helped India cross the line, in what is the highest run chase at the venue. Pakistan's record run chase of 107 runs against Canada was only set one day ago on June 11.
With a solitary match against Canada remaining in Florida and a superior net run rate against their name, India are favorites to top Group A and enter the Super 8 stage on a high.
The second spot in the group is still up for grabs, and it comes down to how the USA and Pakistan fare in their respective final group matches in the coming days.
The Men in Blue's final group encounter against Canada is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 15 in Lauderhill, Florida.
"The team always shows belief in me and keep backing me, I had to deliver for them" - Team India pacer Arshdeep Singh
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh had set the tempo in the first innings by striking twice in the first over. He finished with figures of 4/9 and was adjudged player of the match for his efforts that rattled the USA unit.
"Very very happy with the performance. In the last two games, I gave away little more runs, wasn't happy with that. The team always shows belief in me and keep 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. The plan was simple, pitch it in the wicket and let the ball do the talking," Arshdeep Singh said during the post-match presentation
Resting some key players could be on the agenda for Team India in the upcoming fixture as they have already sealed qualification for the next stage of the tournament.