India A continued their T20 World Cup preparations Tuesday with a warm-up match against the USA at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Key batsman Tilak Varma returned to the lineup after a recent injury, contributing 38 runs in a strong team performance. This match provides valuable playing time for emerging players as India finalizes its roster for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States beginning in June.
Tilak Varma Shines in Return for India A, Notches 38 Against USA in Warm-Up
Navi Mumbai – Tilak Varma made a promising return from injury, scoring 38 runs for India A against the USA in a T20 World Cup warm-up match on Tuesday. Playing at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, Varma struck two sixes and three fours in his 24-ball innings as India set a challenging total.
India A, batting first after losing the toss, were in a strong position as of the latest updates, reaching 160 runs for the loss of just two wickets in 14 overs. N Jagadeesan was leading the charge with 91 runs, supported by Ayush Badoni (2 not out). The match serves as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Earlier, USA captain Monank Patel won the toss and elected to bowl. India lost Priyansh Arya (28) after an opening partnership of 43 runs. Varma then combined with Jagadeesan for a vital 113-run stand before falling in the 14th over.
Ayush Badoni is captaining the India A side. Here are the squads for both teams:
India A: N Jagadeesan (wicketkeeper), Priyansh Arya, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Ayush Badoni (captain), Riyan Parag, Urvil Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Khalil Ahmed, Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Vipraj Nigam.
USA: Andries Gous, Sai Teja Mukkamalla, Monank Patel (captain / wicketkeeper), Shehan Jayasuriya, Shubh Ranjane, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shayan Jahangir, Harmeet Singh, Shadley van Schalkwijk, Ali Khan, Saurabh Netravalkar, Milind Kumar, Mohammad Mohsin, Nosthush Kenjige, Jasdeep Singh.
Varma is also expected to feature in another warm-up match against Namibia. Notably, no other members of the main T20 World Cup squad have been included in these practice games. A warm-up match between India and South Africa is scheduled for Wednesday, where local star Sanju Samson is likely to open the batting.
