The T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up matches have brought excitement and unexpected turns as teams prepare for the main event. Australia showcased their dominance with a convincing win over Namibia, while adverse weather conditions in Dallas led to the cancellation of the USA vs. Bangladesh match. Meanwhile, the Netherlands started strong with a notable victory against Sri Lanka, highlighting their potential to be formidable contenders. These developments set the stage for a thrilling tournament, with teams fine-tuning their strategies and form.

The Netherlands kicked off their T20 World Cup 2024 warm-ups with an impressive victory over Sri Lanka, winning by 20 runs on Tuesday, May 28, at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida. Michael Levitt and Aryan Dutt emerged as the heroes for the Dutch, who dominated their opponents throughout the match.

Netherlands vs Sri Lanka – Netherlands won by 20 runs

According to the official website of Cricket Netherlands, Levitt scored an explosive 55 runs off 28 balls before retiring, helping the Netherlands post a formidable total of 181 for 5. Teja Nidamanuru contributed a vital 27 runs in the middle overs, while skipper Scott Edwards provided a late surge with an unbeaten 27 off 12 balls. Dilshan Madushanka was Sri Lanka’s standout bowler, finishing with figures of 4-0-39-2, while Nuwan Thushara, Dunith Wellalage, and Angelo Mathews each took a wicket. Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kamindu Mendis went wicketless.

In response, Sri Lanka struggled in their run chase and were bowled out for 161 in 18.5 overs. Reduced to 30 for 4 in the powerplay, they never recovered. Dhananjaya de Silva and Dasun Shanaka managed 31 and 35 not out respectively. Wanindu Hasaranga’s quickfire 43 off 15 balls, which included five consecutive sixes, was not enough to secure a win for Sri Lanka. Aryan Dutt was the pick of the Dutch bowlers, taking 3 wickets, while Kyle Klein and Logan van Beek chipped in with 2 and 1 wickets respectively.

The Netherlands will play their second warm-up match on Thursday, May 30, at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

Netherlands vs Sri Lanka scorecard:

NED-181/5 (20) (Michael Levitt (55), Teja Nidamanuru (27); Dilshan Madushanka (2/39), Dunith Wellalage (1/26)) won by 20 run as SL- 161/ 10 (18.5) (Wanindu Hasaranga (43), Dhananjaya de Silva (31); Aryan Dutt (3/20), Kyle Klein (2/13)).

Bangladesh vs USA – Match cancelled

The T20 World Cup warm-up match between the United States of America (USA) and Bangladesh, scheduled at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, was cancelled on Tuesday due to adverse weather conditions. The game, set to start at 10:30 am local time, was called off after tornadoes, with winds reaching 80 mph, caused significant damage, including to a television screen inside the venue. Recent storms have devastated several parts of the USA, particularly in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky, resulting in at least 23 deaths. The National Weather Service rated the storm as EF-2.

The Grand Prairie Stadium, a former baseball stadium, is set to host the opening match of the T20 World Cup 2024 between USA and Canada on June 2. The USA, co-hosting the tournament with the West Indies, will host 16 of the 55 matches, including a high-profile game between India and Pakistan in New York.

Namibia vs Australia- Australia won by 7 wickets

In the 6th warm-up match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Namibia faced off against Australia. Batting first, Namibia managed to score 119 for 9 in their 20 overs. Zane Green led the charge with a solid 38 off 30 balls, while Malan Kruger contributed a brisk 18 off 11. Australia’s bowlers were in fine form, with Adam Zampa taking 3 wickets for 25 runs and Josh Hazlewood delivering an impressive spell, claiming 2 wickets for just 5 runs in his 4 overs.

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In response, Australia chased down the target with ease, reaching 123 for 3 in just 10 overs. David Warner was the standout performer with a blistering 54 off 21 balls. Tim David also played a supporting role, scoring 23 off 16 deliveries. Bernard Scholtz was the pick of the Namibian bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 16 runs, but it wasn’t enough to contain the Australian batsmen. David Wiese also bowled economically, conceding 16 runs in his 2 overs without taking a wicket. Australia’s commanding performance ensured a comfortable victory in their warm-up match.

In addition to the impressive warm-up performances, Australia’s Chief Selector George Bailey has expressed strong support for captain Mitchell Marsh as the team aims for T20 World Cup glory. Bailey praised Marsh’s leadership qualities and his ability to inspire the squad both on and off the field. With Marsh at the helm, Bailey is confident that Australia can leverage their robust preparations and translate them into success in the tournament. Marsh’s recent form and tactical acumen are seen as crucial components for Australia’s campaign, further bolstering the team’s prospects as they head into the World Cup.

Namibia vs Australia scorecard:

NAM – 119/9 (20) (Zane Green 38 (30), Adam Zampa 3/25 (4)) lost to AUS – 123/3 (10) (David Warner 54* (21) Bernard Scholtz 2/16 (2)) by 7 wickets.

Cricket fans worldwide were treated to an unforgettable match as the USA cricket team clinched a remarkable victory against Bangladesh in the first game of their T20 series. This thrilling encounter saw the USA emerge victorious by 5 wickets, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing journey.

Match Overview

The opening match of the series was filled with excitement and dramatic twists. Batting first, Bangladesh set a competitive target. However, the USA team displayed tremendous resilience and skill, successfully chasing the target. Key performances from Corey Anderson and Harmeet Singh played a pivotal role in this historic win.

See Also: Historic win for USA as they beat Bangladesh by 5 wickets

Harmeet Singh’s Exploits

Harmeet Singh‘s innings were nothing short of spectacular. With his aggressive batting, Singh scored 33 runs off just 13 balls, turning the tide in favour of the USA. Corey Anderson, a former New Zealand international, showcased his batting prowess with a crucial innings of 34 runs off 24 balls.

The match’s highlight was the incredible sixth-wicket partnership between Anderson and Singh. Together, they amassed 62 runs, setting a new record for the highest sixth-wicket partnership for the USA in T20I cricket.

Harmeet Singh: The Spinner Extraordinaire

Former Mumbai and Rajasthan Royals left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh’s journey from Indian cricket to representing the USA is an inspiring tale. Known for his left-arm orthodox spin, Singh has often been compared to the legendary Bishen Bedi due to his natural flight and guile. His ability to deceive batters and his calm demeanour on the field make him a formidable spinner in the T20 format.

Journey to the USA Cricket Team

Singh’s transition from playing domestic cricket in India to becoming a key player for the USA has been remarkable. In 2021, Harmeet, after taking 87 wickets and scoring 733 runs, including a hundred, retired from Indian cricket to play professional cricket in the US. After making a name for himself in India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2012, Singh moved to the USA and signed a three-year contract with Major League Cricket.

Harmeet Singh’s Future Prospects

Harmeet Singh can become one of the leading spinners in T20 cricket. With the right temperament and support from the team management, Singh can thrive in the international arena. His performances will be closely watched as he develops his skills and contributes to the team’s success. He also picked for USA’s T20I side for the T20 World Cup, which will be held in the USA and the West Indies from June 2. Interestingly, USA will India in the competition on June 12.

USA vs India: A Highlight to Watch

One of the most anticipated matches of the T20 World Cup will be when the USA faces India on June 12. This match holds significant importance for both teams, as it will test their skills and highlight the progress of cricket in the USA. Fans eagerly await this clash, expecting it to be a thrilling contest.

Harmeet Singh after the Match

Harmeet bowled four economical overs by conceding only 27 runs, before smashing an unbeaten 33 off just 13 balls.

“You don’t always get an opportunity to win a game against a big side like this every day. The way the boys have been training, it is a personal effort from everybody. It means a lot to us to put on a show against Bangladesh. We are no walkovers. I think our potential is immense. We have a lot of match-winners in the team. It gives us the edge. We bat as well now. A lot of guys can also bowl two to four overs, like Steven [Taylor] did. Nitish [Kumar] and Milind [Kumar] can bowl a few overs. We have bench strength too. The competition within the team is helping us. Everyone wants to do well, and that’s helping the side,” Harmeet said.

“I told the guys before the game that Bangladesh are a good team on paper, but if we go down without a fight, it won’t send a good message. We know the wicket, as this is our home condition. We know everything about this ground. It is a T20 format. Couple of hiccups, we push them in the powerplay. Then you can corner them and close out the game,” Harmeet said.

“I was backing myself to get 50 runs in the last four overs. I enjoy the added responsibility. This is my perfect world where I can bowl under pressure and finish games with the bat”

Cricket enthusiasts witnessed history unfold as the USA cricket team secured a stunning victory against Bangladesh in the first game of the T20 series. In a match filled with twists and turns, USA emerged victorious by 5 wickets, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing journey.

The Game-Changing Partnership

The game saw remarkable performances from Corey Anderson and Harmeet Singh, who orchestrated a record-breaking sixth-wicket partnership, scoring 62 runs collectively. Their resilience under pressure turned the tide in USA’s favor, defying expectations and clinching victory from the jaws of defeat.

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Bangladesh’s Performance

Despite putting up a competitive fight, Bangladesh faltered in crucial moments, leading to a slightly tepid performance. USA’s disciplined bowling and strategic captaincy decisions added to Bangladesh’s woes, ultimately limiting them to 153 runs.

USA’s Bowling Display

This victory holds immense importance for USA cricket, signaling their growing prowess on the international stage. This win injects much-needed confidence and momentum into the team as they prepare to co-host the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The global cricketing community has erupted in applause and admiration for the USA’s historic triumph, recognizing the significance of this moment for the sport’s growth in the country. With newfound momentum and support, USA cricket looks poised for a bright future, ready to make its mark on the global stage. They are reflecting on the significance of the USA’s victory, marking only their second win against a full ICC member nation. Earlier, they won against Ireland in 2021.

First Innings
Bangladesh Score – 153/6 in 20.0 overs
Bangladesh batting performance
Towhid Hridoy 58(47)
Mahmudullah 31(22)
Steven Taylor 3-9-2
Saurabh Netravalkar 4-27-1

Second Innings
USA Score – 156/5 in 19.3 overs
USA batting performance
Corey Anderson 34(25)
Harmeet Singh 33(13)
Mustafizur Rahman 4-41-2
Shoriful Islam 4-31-1