The USA sent a stark warning to all participating T20 World Cup 2026 teams with a strong performance against India A in their first warm-up match of the tournament. Asked to chase down a massive target of 239, USA posted a strong reply, reaching 200 in 19.4 thanks to some nifty knocks from Andries Ghouse (44 off 31) and Sanjay Krishnamurthi (41 off 18).
With the ball, Shubham Ranjane emerged as the pick of the bowlers scalping 1/12 in two overs while Saurabh Netravalkar had a cheap performance of 0/33 in 4 overs in the context of the game. The USA’s strong performance sent a stark warning to the remaining teams they had earlier stunned Pakistan in the previous edition of the tournamentbeat them in the super over and qualified for the super 8 stages.
Meanwhile, the Indian team management can heave a sigh of relief after Tilak Varma ticked all the right boxes on his return to competitive cricket following lower abdominal surgery as India A registered a comfortable 38-run victory.
The India A batsmen were the first to follow the now familiar template of high-intensity attack at all costs adopted by the senior team. Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper Narayan Jagadeesan led the charge with a scintillating 104 off 55 deliveries, an innings studded with 11 fours and five towering sixes that set the tone for a formidable total.
In the second innings, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who remains a strong contender to replace Washington Sundar should he be officially ruled out, further strengthened his case with a three-wicket haul, a timely reminder of his value in the middle overs.
Tilak dispels fitness doubts
However, for the national selection committee, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, the primary focus was on assessing Tilak Varma’s match fitness after he completed a three-week ‘Return to Game’ protocol at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The stylish left-hander from Hyderabad scored a fluent 38 off 24 balls and hit a pair of king sixes against the left-arm spin duo of Harmeet Singh and Nosthush Kenjige. Tilak seemed to particularly enjoy Harmeet’s bowling as he dispatched him for three boundaries during his brief but impressive stay at the crease.
While his innings lasted only 24 deliveriesThe most encouraging sign was the complete absence of discomfort as he made his moves with confidence and freedom. In the field, Tilak impressed further by sprinting back to take a well-judged catch and dismissed Saitej Mukkamall with athletic precision.
Tilak ran back with the ball coming away from him, kept perfect balance, positioned himself well under the ball and finished the catch cleanly. He later turned his arm to claim a wicket and also added a second catch to his tally, further underscoring his all-round fitness.
Having cleared his fitness test and is set to reclaim his No.3 slot, Tilak’s return could spell trouble for Sanju Samson, who has suffered five consecutive misses and may have to make way for Ishan Kishan in the playing mix.
Mayank Yadav returns to action after a long layoff due to injury
Another notable moment in the match was Riyan Parag’s return to action, although it was India A captain Ayush Badoni who stole the limelight towards the end of the innings with 60 off just 24 balls. Assam cricket’s biggest star, Parag, had limited options, facing only a few deliveries and was not called upon by the captain to play.
Among the bowlers, India fast bowler Mayank Yadav, who returned from a long injury lay-off, bowled some really quick spells despite finishing with figures of 0 for 37 in three overs. Mayank showed pace and intent in a slightly revamped action with less bounce during the crease at the crease, although some rust was evident after his long layoff from competitive cricket.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
February 2, 2026