T20 World Cup 2024: USA's Qualification Scenario - Can they reach Super 8 after loss to India?

The provisional Group A toppers, United States of America (USA) and India, went head to head in Match 25 at the Nassau County Stadium in New York on June 12. India won the toss and elected to field first.

Arshdeep Singh rocked USA by striking off the very first ball of the innings, becoming the first Indian bowler to achieve the feat in a T20 World Cup match. He dismissed Shayan Jahangir, who was found plumb in front of the wicket. The USA middle order could not get going, apart from Nitish Kumar who scored 27 runs off 23 deliveries. He was supported very well by Steven Taylor who scored 24 runs off 30 balls. Corey Anderson tried his best to up the ante but was sent packing for 15 runs off 12 balls by Hardik Pandya.

In the end, the Indian bowlers proved to be hot to handle for the USA batters as they finished the innings for 110/8. Arshdeep was the standout as he finished with 4/9 off his four overs while Pandya and Axar picked up two wickets and one wicket respectively.

India's chase did not begin well as Saurabh Netravalkar dismissed Kohli for a golden duck. Soon after, Rohit Sharma became his second victim, contributing only three runs to India's total. Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav rebuilt the innings as they formed a crucial partnership of 29(32). After Pant got out to Ali Khan, Shivam Dube supported Yadav and the duo formed a match-winning partnership of 67*(65). SKY completed his half century towards the end and India won by seven wickets. For USA, Netravalkar was the best bowler (2/18).

Also Read: Top 10 Memes from USA vs IND, Match 25

What does USA need to do to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 round?

If USA win their only remaining game against Ireland on Friday, June 14, they would qualify for the next round. However, if that does not happen they would need to rely on other results to go in their favour.

USA would then need Ireland to beat Pakistan as well. In case Pakistan win, they would go to four points too and their NRR, which is already better than USA's, will put them ahead of the co-hosts. If Ireland win their remaining two matches they would go to four points as well but their NRR right now is -1.712 which will make it tough for them to finish second in such a scenario.

If Canada beat India they will also go to four points and it will be all about whose NRR is better. All in all, the best bet for USA is to win their last game against Ireland and qualify for the Super 8 without any dramas.