The much-awaited final of the USAC 2024 Men’s National Championship brought together the top teams of the tournament, Group A leaders Mid Atlantic and Group B toppers South West, at the picturesque Woodley Park Wright. The clash marked the culmination of four thrilling days of cricket, showcasing the future stars of United States cricket.
While the final turned out to be a one-sided contest with Mid Atlantic cruising to a comprehensive 9-wicket victory, the championship left cricket fans hopeful for the growth of the sport in the nation. Young talents stood out throughout the tournament, with several players knocking on the doors of the national selectors.
Match Highlights: South West’s Struggle with the Bat
Winning the toss, South West opted to bat first, a decision that initially looked promising as openers Sushant Modani (19) and Smit Patel (29) provided a steady start. The duo stitched together a 50-run partnership within 10 overs, setting a solid foundation. However, the joy was short-lived as the batting lineup crumbled once the first wicket fell at 50.
What followed was a dramatic collapse, with South West losing quick wickets and finding themselves struggling at 58/4. Amidst the chaos, it was Harmeet Singh Badhaan who anchored the innings with a composed knock of 50 runs off 70 balls, which included four boundaries. Unfortunately, wickets kept tumbling at the other end, and South West’s innings folded for a modest total of 156 in just 42 overs.
Mid Atlantic Bowlers Shine
Mid Atlantic’s bowlers were exceptional, with Preet Shah emerging as the standout performer. His figures of 4/23 in 9 overs were a testament to his accuracy and skill. He was ably supported by Dhruv Pawar, who picked up 2 wickets for 31 runs. Additionally, Stephen Wig, Noman Iftikhar, Yasir Mohammed, and Ritwik Behera chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring South West couldn’t recover.
Mid Atlantic’s Chase: A Masterclass in Batting
Chasing a target of 157, Mid Atlantic’s top order put on a show of dominance. Although they lost opener Ritwik Behera early for just 1 run, the setback didn’t deter their charge. Opener Pranav Chhettipalayam found a dependable partner in one-down batter Kunwarjeet Singh, and the duo took control of the game.
Pranav showcased his class with a splendid unbeaten 71 off 88 balls, laced with 9 boundaries and 1 towering six. On the other hand, Kunwarjeet complemented him perfectly, scoring an unbeaten 72 off 83 balls, which included 7 fours and 2 sixes. Together, they stitched an unbroken 148-run partnership, chasing down the target in just 29.3 overs and sealing the final in style.
Player of the Match: Preet Shah
For his match-winning bowling spell of 4/23, Preet Shah was rightfully adjudged the Player of the Match. His performance played a pivotal role in dismantling South West’s batting order and setting up an easy chase for Mid Atlantic.
Ravi Shastri and Glenn McGrath's Bold Comments on Virat Kohli's Form
A Promising Future for USA Cricket
While the final was dominated by Mid Atlantic, the USAC 2024 Men’s National Championship was a platform for young players to showcase their potential. The tournament provided a glimpse into the bright future of cricket in the United States, with several standout performances from emerging talents.
