Usually, an India vs USA match doesn't garner much interest but given how the ICC T20 World Cup has unfolded so far, today's match between the two teams is a must-watch one.
The co-hosts and India are both unbeaten in this tournament so far, with two wins each in their two matches.
One of the US wins came in a super over against Pakistan in Dallas, a result that has sent the tournament in an entirely new direction, with 2022 finalists Pakistan facing the possibility of being eliminated in the first round.
If the hosts can dominate India the way they did Pakistan today (something they seem more than capable of doing), it will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the US are a serious threat in T20 cricket and that the associate nations deserve a seat at the World Cup table.
It's a remarkable achievement because the US is a largely part-time cricketer, and that they're in a position with the resources at their disposal to consistently challenge established teams shows how far cricket has come and what a great leveller the T20 format is.
It will be an emotional match for local fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar. The left-arm seamer was the hero of the USA vs Pakistan match when he kept his cool in the Super Over and orchestrated one of the biggest upsets in the history of T20 cricket. The left-arm seamer was a first-class cricketer for Mumbai and also represented India alongside KL Rahul in the 2010 Under-19 World Cup.
However, with limited opportunities at the senior level, he decided to continue his studies in computer engineering and moved to the US, where he now works for Oracle and finds time to play cricket in between his busy schedule.
There are other Indian players on the US team who will be eager to give their all against their home country.
What works in the home team's favour is the pitch in New York on which the match is being played. The Nassau County Stadium pitch is a batting nightmare and teams have struggled to score past 100 whether batting first or second.
What was once a dangerous pitch with extreme bounce turned into a low and slow surface which ensured the bowlers kept the interest going for 40 overs, making for a thrilling encounter.
After India's bowlers defended a target of 120 against Pakistan on Sunday, the Proteas went further by defending 114 against Bangladesh.
Captain Monank Patel and Aaron Jones will be key batsmen for the home side, who will face their toughest challenge yet on difficult pitches and against some of India's best bowling.
But the US has the pitchers to give India a tough time. Left-arm fastballer Netravalkar, spinner Nostash Kenjige and fast bowler Ali Khan are all in good form and will give them a chance to win on a pitch whose unpredictable nature has narrowed the gap between the teams.
Curiously, the Indian team has more experience playing in New York's purpose-built stadium than their opponents as they have played two matches there – a warm-up match and the opening match – and are now well acquainted with the conditions.
In New York, conservative batting and a score of 120+ runs would be enough to win, with both teams desperate to pull off a win that would see one of them win all three matches and qualify for the Super Eight stage.
Weather is unlikely to affect today's match like it did during the India vs Pakistan match.
(agency)
