India A secured a convincing 38-run victory over the USA on February 2 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The team aims to finish the T20 World Cup warm-up fixtures on a high note when they face Namibia in Bengaluru on Friday.
In their upcoming match, India A, led by Ayush Badoni, will look to replicate their successful batting strategy from their previous warm-up game. In that match against the USA, India A chose to bat first and set a formidable score of 238 runs. Narayan Jagadeesan was the standout performer with a brilliant century, hitting 104 runs off 55 balls, while Badoni contributed significantly with an impressive 60 runs off just 24 deliveries. The team’s total was bolstered further by Tilak Varma’s return to the crease, where he scored 38 runs off 24 balls after recovering from a groin surgery.
On the bowling front, Ravi Bishnoi was instrumental, finishing with figures of 3 wickets for 37 runs. Naman Dhir and Khaleel Ahmed also shone with the ball, taking two wickets each and helping to bowl the Americans out for 200 runs.
Namibia comes into this match after narrowly defeating Scotland by six runs, showcasing their own batting prowess with openers Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp leading the charge. Frylinck scored a remarkable 88 runs from 44 balls, while Steenkamp added 51 runs off 24 balls, allowing Namibia to set a solid target of 226 runs. Scotland’s chase fell just short despite Brandon McMullen’s impressive 95 runs.
As the two teams prepare for their face-off in Bengaluru, India A is keen to maintain their momentum and secure two wins from two warm-up matches. The flexibility of warm-up matches allows teams to rotate their players, providing opportunities for all squad members to contribute.
Both squads have showcased their talent leading up to this encounter, and cricket fans can expect an exciting showdown as India A looks to finalize their strategy before the official tournament commences.