As the 2024 T20 World Cup looms, the excitement is palpable. In less than 12 hours, cricket fans will witness the North American neighbours, the USA and Canada, clash in the opening encounter at Dallas.

Meanwhile, India takes its first look at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York, facing Bangladesh in their only warm-up game before the main event.

This match is crucial for India as it prepares for conditions similar to those they will encounter in their league games against Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA.

Match Overview

Team India won the match 60 runs.

India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, won the toss and opted to bat, aiming to put runs on the board in challenging conditions. Notably, star batter Virat Kohli was absent, having arrived in New York only the day before.

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India’s Batting Performance

India posted a competitive score of 182 on a slightly sticky batting surface. Early in the innings, Sanju Samson fell for just one run, while Rohit Sharma made a promising start but was dismissed after scoring 23.

The highlight of India’s innings was Rishabh Pant’s aggressive fifty. Returning to international cricket, Pant looked in sublime form, smashing 53 off just 32 balls before retiring.

Contributions from Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya bolstered India’s total, with Hardik scoring a brisk 40 off 23 balls and Suryakumar adding 31 off 18.

Bangladesh’s Bowling Analysis

Bangladesh experimented with various bowlers, finding some success. Mahedi was particularly impressive, taking a wicket and conceding only 22 runs in his four overs.

Shoriful’s performance was also noteworthy, though his injury poses a concern for Bangladesh. Surprisingly, Shakib Al Hasan had an off day, which proved expensive and failed to contain the Indian batters.

Bangladesh Batting Performance

In a crucial warm-up game ahead of the T20 World Cup, India secured a comprehensive victory over Bangladesh. The match offered both teams a chance to assess their strengths and areas needing improvement before the tournament begins. While India capitalized on the opportunity to fine-tune their strategies, Bangladesh faced challenges that could impact their World Cup performance.

India’s Performance: A Strong Showing

Time Spent in the Middle

India will be delighted with the time spent in the middle, with several key players getting valuable match practice. The batting lineup performed well, building a solid foundation for the team.

Key Contributions

• Rishabh Pant’s Return: Pant made a successful return to international cricket, scoring 53 off 32 balls before retiring out. His aggressive batting against spinners provided India with a strong start.
• Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya: Both players showcased their form, with Suryakumar scoring 31 off 18 balls and Hardik contributing 40 off 23 balls.

Bangladesh’s Batting Struggles:

Bangladesh never seemed intent on chasing the target, particularly after losing early wickets. The top order’s vulnerability to the new ball remains a significant concern.

• Mahmudullah’s Effort: Mahmudullah was the standout performer, scoring 40 runs and showing resilience in an otherwise lackluster batting display.
• Shakib Al Hasan’s Form: Shakib’s struggles with both bat and ball could be a worry for Bangladesh heading into the World Cup. His performance will be crucial for the team’s success.

Bangladesh’s top order was rattled by India’s seamers, with the team reeling at 41/5 at one stage. Only Mahmudullah and Shakib managed to put up a fight, scoring 40 and 28 runs, respectively.

India’s Bowling Brilliance

India’s bowlers were exceptional, starting strong and maintaining pressure on Bangladesh throughout the match.

• Arshdeep Singh: Arshdeep’s new-ball scalps set the tone, taking two early wickets with inswingers.
• Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel: Siraj and Axar continued the momentum, each contributing crucial wickets.
• Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube: Both bowlers chipped in with wickets, ensuring a comprehensive victory for India.

Teams:

Bangladesh (Batting 11, Fielding 11): Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali(w), Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanvir Islam

India (Batting 11, Fielding 11): Rohit Sharma(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant(w), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Unfortunately, the much-anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup warm-up clash between Scotland and Uganda was ended on no result due to persistent rain. The match is scheduled at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad. This leaves both teams without the crucial match practice they hoped for as they gear up for the main tournament.

SCO vs UGA Match

Warm-up matches are essential for teams to fine-tune their strategies, assess player form, and adapt to local conditions. Warm-up matches offer teams a golden opportunity to experiment with their playing combinations and for players to gain confidence.

See Also: Will Virat Kohli join the team India for warm-up game vs Bangladesh? Here’s the Update

Although Scotland and Uganda have never faced each other in an official international match. However, they did play 4 T20 fixtures, three of which were won by the Scottish team. This history adds a layer of intrigue to their potential future clashes.

Result: No result – due to rain

Rain: Scotland – 27/0 (1.5)

Innings Break: Uganda – 90/5 (18)

Match reduced to 18 overs due to rain

Top Batsmen: Riazat Ali Shah (UGA): 22 (34) and Ollie Hairs (SCO): 20 (7)

Top Bowlers: Safyaan Sharif (SCO): 2/16 (3) and Jack Jarvis (SCO): 2/23 (3)

Scotland have won the toss and have opted to field

Teams:

Uganda XI: Ronak Patel, Robinson Obuya, Alpesh Ramjani, Riazat Ali Shah(w), Dinesh Nakrani, Kenneth Waiswa, Brian Masaba(c), Fred Achelam, Juma Miyagi, Bilal Hassan, Simon Ssesazi, Henry Ssenyondo, Frank Nsubuga, Cosmas Kyewuta, Roger Mukasa

Scotland XI: George Munsey, Ollie Hairs, Michael Jones, Richie Berrington(c), Matthew Cross(w), Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Christopher Sole, Safyaan Sharif, Bradley Currie, Brad Wheal, Mark Adair, Jack Jarvis, Charlie Tear, Brandon McMullen

U.S.A. vs Nepal Match

Match abandoned with toss due to rain.

The excitement for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has reached new heights with the recent announcement of warm-up match fixtures. Scheduled to be played between May 27 and June 1, these matches serve as a precursor to the main event, providing teams with crucial preparation opportunities.

Dates and Venues

The warm-up matches are set to take place across the USA and Trinidad and Tobago. Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Texas, Broward County Stadium in Florida, Queen’s Park Oval, and Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago host these fixtures.

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Participating Teams

A total of 17 teams will partake in the warm-up games, gearing up for the intense competition ahead. Notably, South Africa will engage in an intra-squad match on May 29 in Florida, adding to the event’s anticipation.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Warm-up Fixtures

Monday 27 May
Canada v Nepal, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas 10h30
Oman v Papua New Guinea, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago 15h00
Namibia v Uganda, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago 19h00

Tuesday 28 May
Sri Lanka v Netherlands, Broward County Stadium, Broward County, Florida 10h30
Bangladesh v USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas 10h30
Australia v Namibia, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago 19h00

Wednesday 29 May
South Africa intra-squad, Broward County Stadium, Broward County, Florida 10h30
Afghanistan v Oman, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago 13h00

Thursday 30 May
Nepal v USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas 10h30
Scotland v Uganda, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago 10h30
Netherlands v Canada, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas 15h00
Namibia v Papua New Guinea, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago 15h00
West Indies v Australia, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago 19h00

Friday 31 May
Ireland v Sri Lanka, Broward County Stadium, Broward County, Florida 10h30
Scotland v Afghanistan, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago 10h30

Saturday 1 June
Bangladesh v India, Venue TBC USA

New Regulations

In a departure from previous cycles, teams now have the flexibility to play up to two warm-up matches, depending on their arrival time at the event. This adjustment aims to accommodate teams’ schedules and optimize their preparation.

Open Match for Fans

One of the highlights of the warm-up fixtures is the match between the West Indies and Australia at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago, on Thursday, May 30. This match will be open to fans and offer a thrilling opportunity to witness top-tier cricket action.

Fans eager to be part of the excitement can secure their tickets from May 16 onwards. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.t20worldcup.com or directly from box offices at the National Cricket Centre and Queen’s Park Oval.

Significance of Warm-up Matches

Warm-up matches are crucial in teams’ tournament preparations. They allow them to fine-tune their skills, assess playing conditions, and build momentum leading into the main event. These fixtures provide an invaluable opportunity for teams to gel as a unit and address any areas of concern before the tournament kicks off.