Mumbai-born left-arm pacer Saurabh Netravalkar has been in fine form for USA in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. After dismissing Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan and bowling a brilliant super over, he came into limelight. Netravalkar proved his mettle against India to by dismissing both openers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during his opening spell. Suryakumar Yadav who got a reprieve in the middle overs helped India beat USA by seven wickets after early blows. After Netravalkar’s sensational spell, Suryakumar’s tweet for his former Mumbai teammate went viral on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Don't miss this man @Saurabh_Netra who made an app called CRICdecode for cricketers to analyse there performances,” Suryakumar wrote on X in 2014.
Later in the innings, Netravalkar dropped Suryakumar’s catch in the 13th over when he was batting on 22 runs from 30 balls. He conceded 18 runs from his quota of four overs. Suryakumar went on to score 50 runs from 49 balls including two fours and as many sixes. This is the slowest fifty for an Indian batter in T20 World Cups. He helped India pull off the highest successful run chase at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.
Netravalkar has bagged four wickets from three games in the tournament so far excluding the super over.
Netravalkar earned praise from Mhambrey
Before the match, India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey was impressed with the 32-year-old’s journey while pointing out that he is not a full-time cricketer.
“I am extremely happy for him. I remember Saurabh played a couple of games for us (Mumbai), even though it was after my time. It is not an easy decision to leave India, but he has been successful. He gives hope to others. It tells people in India that if you don’t make it in India, you can make it elsewhere. I have read that he works for Oracle. He is a semi-professional cricketer. That is not easy,” Mhambrey said in the pre-match press conference.
Must-win for USA
The in-form pacer will be seen in action when USA take on Ireland in Lauderhill, Florida. A win against Ireland will cement their spot in the Super 8 stage and knock Pakistan out of the tournament. If they lose to Ireland, then net run rate (NRR) will decide whether they advance to the last eight or Pakistan.
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