Netravalkar's sweet revenge against Pakistan after 14 years

Saurabh Netravalkar, who played for India in the 2010 U-19 World Cup, emerged as the hero for the United States in their shocking victory against Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The USA set a target of 19 runs in the Super Over and handed Pakistan a humiliating 5-run defeat. Netravalkar's exceptional bowling in the Super Over sealed the historic win for the USA, breaking Pakistani hearts.

In the main match, the USA needed 15 runs in the final over but managed only 14, matching Pakistan's total of 159 runs. In the Super Over, Pakistan faltered, unable to put up a fight.

Back in 2010, Saurabh Netravalkar endured a heartbreaking loss against Pakistan in the quarter-finals of the U-19 World Cup, where Babar Azam was among the opponents. Fourteen years later, he found himself bowling the decisive Super Over for his new country, the USA, and making history by restricting Pakistan to just 13 runs while defending 18.

In that 2010 match, Pakistan's youth team had defeated India by two wickets. Netravalkar had bowled impressively, delivering 5 overs with 1 maiden, conceding only 16 runs and taking 1 wicket. Before becoming the Super Over hero for the USA, he had already impressed in the main match, conceding 18 runs and taking 2 wickets in his 4 overs.

Saurabh Netravalkar's Journey:

• Born in Mumbai: Saurabh was born in Mumbai, India.
• 2010 U-19 World Cup: Represented India in the 2010 U-19 World Cup.
• Ranji Trophy: Played a single Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai against Karnataka in 2013.
• Move to the USA: Moved to the USA, received a national call-up in 2018, and became the USA captain in February 2019.
• 2022 Global Qualifiers: Emerged as the best bowler in the ICC T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 'B' tournament in Zimbabwe in 2022.
• Professional Career: Works as a Principal Engineer at Oracle.
• 2024 T20 World Cup: Led the USA to a historic win against Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup with his outstanding bowling performance.

Saurabh Netravalkar's story is a remarkable journey of resilience and adaptation, culminating in a moment of glory on one of cricket's biggest stages.