India A secured a convincing 38-run victory over the United States of America in a T20 World Cup warm-up match on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The match saw India A post a formidable total of 238 for 3 wickets, spearheaded by a brilliant century from Narayan Jagadeesan. In response, the USA team put up a spirited chase but ultimately fell short, finishing at 200 all out in 19.4 overs, with leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi proving to be a key difference-maker for India A.[crictoday+3]
India A's Batting Explosion
India A's innings was a display of aggressive T20 batting from the start. Opening batter Priyansh Arya set a rapid pace, scoring 28 runs off just 13 balls before his dismissal inside the powerplay.The star of the innings, however, was Narayan Jagadeesan, who smashed a scintillating 104 runs from only 55 deliveries. His century included 11 fours and 5 towering sixes, providing the backbone of India A's massive total.[timesnownews+4]
Captain Ayush Badoni joined the onslaught, remaining unbeaten with an explosive 60 runs off just 26 balls, featuring 5 boundaries and 4 sixes.Tilak Varma, returning from a groin injury, also made a significant contribution with 38 runs off 24 balls, striking 3 fours and 2 sixes.The collective effort ensured India A reached a challenging score that tested the USA bowling attack throughout their 20 overs.[indianexpress+6]
Bishnoi's Crucial Strikes
Ravi Bishnoi emerged as India A's most successful bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 37 runs in his full quota of four overs.His impact was felt early in the USA chase when he dismissed the USA skipper and wicketkeeper, Monank Patel, for 10 runs in the third over of the innings.Bishnoi's trademark delivery, which skids through and turns away from right-handers, proved effective against Patel.He also accounted for the wickets of Milind Kumar and Jasdeep Singh, further stifling the USA's scoring momentum.[crictoday+9]
Other India A bowlers also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. Khaleel Ahmed picked up 2 wickets for 25 runs in his three overs, while Naman Dhir also secured 2 wickets.Ashok Sharma, Ayush Badoni, and Tilak Varma each contributed with one wicket, ensuring the USA chase never gained full control.[crictoday+4]
USA's Resilient Chase
Despite the daunting target of 239, the USA batters showed commendable resilience and fighting spirit. Andries Gous led their scoring with a brisk 44 runs off 31 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes, providing early momentum to the chase.Sanjay Krishnamurthi kept the hopes alive with a quickfire 41 runs off just 18 deliveries, smashing 2 boundaries and 4 sixes.[crictoday+5]
Further contributions came from Shubham Ranjane, who scored 28 off 17 balls, Harmeet Singh with a rapid 25 off 9 deliveries, and Mohammad Mohsin, who added 21 runs off 10 balls.These efforts helped the USA reach a respectable total of 200 runs, demonstrating their batting depth even in a tall chase.The performance signals a strong warning to other teams in the upcoming T20 World Cup, showcasing the USA's capability to challenge established sides.[crictoday+6]
Tilak Varma's Fitness Boost
A significant positive for the India A team, and by extension the senior India squad, was the all-round performance of Tilak Varma. Returning to competitive cricket after lower abdominal surgery, Varma not only scored a valuable 38 runs but also took a crucial wicket and completed a fine running catch to dismiss Saiteja Mukkamalla.This comprehensive display confirmed his match fitness, which was a primary focus for the team management ahead of the T20 World Cup.[indianexpress+5]
Observers noted Varma's confidence and freedom in executing his strokes, showing no discomfort from his recent injury.His ability to bowl a few overs could also benefit the team, especially with uncertainty surrounding the availability of Washington Sundar. "Tilak Varma had a long bowl during the warm-ups and takes a wicket off the first ball that he bowls. With uncertainty still hanging over Washington Sundar's availability, Tilak giving a few overs could augur well for the side," commented Shankar Narayan.[indiatoday+1]
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
This warm-up fixture served as a crucial preparation for both teams heading into the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. For India A, the dominant batting performance and the impactful bowling of Ravi Bishnoi highlight the depth of talent available.Tilak Varma's successful fitness test provides a major relief for the national selectors.[hindustantimes+3]
The USA team, despite the loss, gained valuable match practice against a strong India A side. Their ability to score 200 runs while chasing a massive target will boost their confidence.The USA is scheduled to play New Zealand in their next warm-up match before facing India in their opening game of the main T20 World Cup on February 7 in Mumbai.India A will continue their warm-up schedule against Namibia on February 6.[crictracker+4]
The high-scoring encounter provided an exciting preview of the T20 World Cup, with both teams taking away key learnings and assessments from the competitive fixture in Navi Mumbai.[outlookindia+1]
