India captain Rohit Sharma thinks the match against USA could be anyone’s game as playing was tough on the New York pitch but also credits them to chase USA’s total in the match.

India beat USA by 7 wickets to cruise their way through to Super Eight on Wednesday (12th June) at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. A deadly spell from Arshdeep Singh, who ended up picking up 4 wickets reduced USA to 110 runs. In reply, Suryakumar Yadav scored a gritty fifty to steer his side to the victory line.

“We knew it was going to be a tough task, scoring that many. Credit to us for chasing it down. Being in the Super Eight is a big relief. Playing here wasn't easy, could've been anyone's game. Had to stick till the end and take the game as deep as possible,” Rohit said.

Rohit praises the bowlers and says that they knew the bowlers’ task would be crucial on this pitch and that’s why they gave bowl to Shivam Dube also. Dube conceded 11 runs in his only over he bowled. “We knew our bowlers had to take the lead as scoring is tough on this pitch. Arshdeep started off magnificently. We want options with us. As and when we feel like we could use them, we should be and that's what Dube allowed,” Rohit added.

In the chase, Saurabh Netravalkar's early blows fell India into a tough situation. Pant and Suryakumar set out to rebuild. The latter, who seemed promising, was dismissed for 18 runs off 20 balls. Dube joined Suryakumar, and although they both struggled frequently, they took singles when they could and didn't mind not getting through to the big shots, which they occasionally went for. With almost six overs remaining, the asking rate was close to eight per over. However, a few boundaries made it easy for India. With four overs remaining, the USA's pacers managed to keep them in the game, but a penalty cost them, and Suryakumar hit two more boundaries to effectively win it. Suryakumar and Dube made an unbeaten 67-run partnership for the third wicket.

“SKY [Suryakumar] and Dube did well in the end. SKY showed he's got a different game and that's what you expect from experienced players. Partnership with Dube was crucial,” Rohit concluded.

India have won three out of three matches they have played till now.