(Getty Images)

Saurabh Netravalkar secured a long-awaited victory over Pakistan in a world cup match, playing a pivotal role in leading the USA to a historic triumph against Babar Azam’s team in Dallas on Thursday.

Fourteen years prior, Netravalkar endured a heartbreaking quarterfinal defeat to Pakistan at the 2010 ICC U-19 World Cup while representing the junior Indian team.

Following this setback, he relocated to the USA and eventually qualified to represent the nation at the international level. In Thursday’s clash at the Grand Prairie Stadium during the T20 World Cup 2024, the left-arm pacer delivered a memorable performance against Pakistan.

Claiming two crucial wickets in his four-over spell, Netravalkar spearheaded the co-hosts to one of the most astonishing upsets in T20 World Cup history. As the match extended into a Super Over, the pacer defended 18 runs to clinch the victory.

For those unfamiliar with his background, Saurabh Netravalkar embarked on his cricketing journey with the Indian team. He notably represented the Men in Blue at the 2010 U-19 World Cup, sharing the field with talents like KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal.

In that memorable tournament, Netravalkar and his teammates faced the daunting task of defending a modest total of 114 runs against Pakistan in the quarter-finals. Forming part of a formidable pace attack alongside Sandeep Sharma and Jaydev Unadkat, they put up a commendable fight, but Pakistan clinched a narrow two-wicket victory, ending India’s campaign prematurely.

Netravalkar’s contribution was notable, as his two wickets played a crucial role in restricting Pakistan to 159 runs in their inaugural encounter in international cricket.

In the subsequent run chase, USA skipper Monank Patel showcased his batting prowess, scoring a half-century, ultimately leading the contest to end in a thrilling tie.

During the Super Over, the USA team accumulated a total of 18 runs, while Pakistan, in reply, could only muster 13 runs.