WATCH: Sandeep Sharma’s special message for ex-India U-19 teammate Saurabh Netravalkar

Saurabh Netrawalkar and Sandeep Sharma. (Source – Rajasthan Royals)

The USA produced the first upset of the ongoing T20 World Cup, as they defeated 2022 finalists Pakistan in a thrilling encounter in Dallas on Thursday, June 6. Saurabh Netravalkar showed great courage in the Super Over and helped the debutants register a monumental victory.

Netravalkar conceded just 13 runs and picked up the crucial wicket of Iftikhar Ahmed in the Super Over to stop Pakistan from chasing a target of 19. After his heroics, the Mumbai-born has been receiving a lot of praise from the cricket fraternity. Rajasthan Royals congratulated the left-arm seamer for his efforts in a unique way as the first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) champions posted a video where their player Sandeep Sharma wished his former India under-19 teammate good luck on his journey in international cricket.

“Actually after the Under-19, he (Netravalkar) left cricket and went to the USA for higher studies. I think Harmeet (Singh) is also there. I would say, all the best yaar. It’s everyone’s dream to play international cricket. You’re an international player. Be it against India, once you’re on the field, be professional. Try to win the game for your team,” Sandeep says in the video, which was shot during IPL 2024.

Netravalkar and Sandeep played together for India in the 2010 edition of the Under-19 World Cup under the leadership of Ashok Menaria. KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Harshal Patel, and Jaydev Unadkat are a few prominent cricketers who were a part of that team.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Who is Saurabh Netravalkar? – Everything you need to know about USA’s hero against Pakistan

USA move within touching distance of Super Eight stage

Chasing a 160-run target, USA were restricted to 159/3 in their 20 overs by Pakistan. However, the Super Over went USA’s way and the epic win helped them climb to the top of Group A, with two wins from as many games. They had beaten Canada to start their campaign.

Also Read: ‘They surely need to bat and field better’ – Yuvraj Singh shares piece of advise to Pakistan after USA upset

USA skipper Monank Patel, who scored a crucial half-century and won the Player of the Match award, said that they would fancy their chances of beating Ireland on June 14 with the brand of cricket they have played. Even if they lose to India on June 12, there will be a huge possibility that they can reach the Super Eight stage. For Pakistan, their clash against India on June 09 is going to be very crucial. If the Men in Green lose against their arch-rivals, they will have to hope for the USA to drop points in their remaining matches.