India A showcased a strong start in their T20 World Cup warm-up match against the United States of America, reaching 50 runs in the 5th over. The USA won the toss and chose to bowl first at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. This match is crucial preparation for the USA ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Priyansh Arya opened the innings aggressively, scoring 28 runs with some fine boundaries before being dismissed. Narayan Jagadeesan remained unbeaten, contributing a brisk 28 off 18 balls. Tilak Varma, who came in to bat after Arya's dismissal, was at 4 off 5 balls at the end of the powerplay. At the end of the powerplay, India A had posted 61/1 in their first 6 overs.
Tilak Varma's inclusion in the India A squad marks his return to competitive cricket after recovering from a groin injury that sidelined him from the New Zealand series. After recovering from lower abdominal surgery in Rajkot earlier this month, he has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He was initially slated to participate in the final two T20Is against New Zealand but was held back to manage his workload before the World Cup. This warm-up match provides him with crucial match practice before he joins the main Indian team led by Suryakumar Yadav.
The India A squad, captained by Ayush Badoni, is a blend of experience and fresh talent, offering a robust challenge for the USA team. The squad includes players with IPL experience, ensuring a high-quality opposition for the USA. The India A squad includes N Jagadeesan, Priyansh Arya, Naman Dhir, Ayush Badoni, Riyan Parag, Urvil Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Khaleel Ahmed, Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Gurjapneet Singh, and Manav Suthar. Ravi Bishnoi, who was part of India's squad in the recent T20 series against New Zealand, is also included in the India A side.
For the USA, this warm-up match offers an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and acclimatize to the conditions. The USA squad includes Monank Patel (captain), Andries Gous, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Shehan Jayasuriya, Shubham Ranjane, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shayan Jahangir, Harmeet Singh, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ali Khan, Saurabh Netravalkar, Milind Kumar, Mohammad Mohsin, Nosthush Kenjige, and Jasdeep Singh.
These warm-up matches are part of a series of 16 matches scheduled by the ICC before the T20 World Cup 2026 begins on February 7. India A will also play against Namibia on Friday in Bengaluru.