(PTI Photo)
“Saurabh Netravalkar bowled out Virat Kohli without him scoring any runs in the T20 World Cup match between India and the USA, held in New York on Wednesday.”
Saurabh Netravalkar’s T20 World Cup journey has been truly remarkable. Once a Mumbai cricketer turned coder for Oracle, he showcased nerves of steel in the Super Over, securing USA’s historic victory over Pakistan. Additionally, he claimed the prized scalps of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the early stages of the match against India in New York. Despite the heartbreaking loss for the co-hosts, Kohli’s dismissal will forever be etched in Netravalkar’s memory.
During India’s pursuit of 111 runs at Nassau County International Stadium, both Indian openers fell within the first 14 deliveries, with Netravalkar sending Kohli back to the pavilion on just the second ball of the innings, marking Kohli’s first golden duck in World Cup history. He followed this up by removing Rohit in the third over, further cementing his impactful performance.
“I am just happy that I can pursue both my passions. It is all happening very fast and I am in the process of digesting it. These last two games were really high-profile. It was an emotional moment to get Virat’s wicket. I was looking to hit off-stump and it worked out well, he said on Wednesday in the post-match press conference.
Having once shared the Mumbai dressing room with both Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav, Netravalkar received congratulations from the latter for his outstanding performance against India. However, it was Kohli’s gesture that left a lasting impression on the left-arm pacer.
“I know Surya from my U-15, U-17 days, we were talking about our dressing-room banter. I didn’t know Virat personally but he did congratulate me,” he said.
Up next for USA is a showdown against Ireland on Thursday at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida. Positioned second in the Group A points table following victories over Canada and Pakistan in their initial matches, a triumph against Paul Stirling’s squad would secure their spot in the Super Eight, alongside India. Even in the event of a rain-induced washout, which has been a prevailing weather pattern in Florida this week, USA would still advance to the next round.
