NEW DELHI: The USA cricket team set an unfortunate record in the annals of T20 World Cup history by recording one of the lowest powerplay scores against India during the 2024 T20 World Cup match in New York on Wednesday.
Team USA managed to score just 18 runs for the loss of two wickets in the first six overs. This was also the USA's lowest powerplay total in T20Is.
This performance stands as the lowest powerplay score against India in the history of the tournament, underscoring the challenges faced by the USA batters against the formidable Indian bowling attack.
Left-arm Indian seamer Arshdeep Singh made an immediate impact when he opened the bowling against the USA in the Group A encounter. His first delivery resulted in the dismissal of USA opener Shayan Jahangir, who was adjudged leg before wicket, for duck. The young Indian seamer continued his impressive spell by claiming another wicket in the same over, removing Andries Gous (2).
Team India has a history of stifling opponents during the powerplay in T20 World Cups. For instance, in 2014, the West Indies team, despite not losing any wickets, could only manage 24 runs in their powerplay in Mirpur.
Lowest powerplay against India in T20 World Cups
18/2 - USA, New York, 2024*24/0 - WI, Mirpur, 201424/3 - SA, Perth, 202226/2 - IRE, New York, 2024
Similarly, in the 2022 T20 World Cup, South Africa faced a daunting task against India in Perth. The Proteas were restricted to just 24 runs for the loss of three wickets during their powerplay. This performance highlighted India's knack for taking crucial early wickets while keeping the run rate in check.
Ireland, too, struggled against India in the 2024 T20 World Cup match in New York. The Irish team scored only 26 runs for the loss of two wickets in their powerplay overs. This match further illustrated India's consistent ability to dominate the early stages of the game, setting the stage for a controlled bowling performance throughout the innings.
These instances of low powerplay scores are a testament to the Indian bowling unit's effectiveness in T20 World Cups. The bowlers have repeatedly demonstrated their capability to apply early pressure, restrict scoring opportunities, and capture key wickets, leading to India's success on the global stage.
