In anticipation of their final planned ODI match prior to the World Cup Qualifiers in Africa in February, the USA has brought veteran fast bowler Ali Khan back into their 50-over squad after a three-year hiatus. The 35-year-old last played for the United States in the format at the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.
Ali Khan back into 50-over squad after a three-year hiatus
Following his recuperation from an injury layoff, former vice captain and fellow fast bowler Jasdeep Singh has also been called up alongside Khan. Prior to the June Major League Cricket season, Singh had chosen not to participate in the USA’s prior foreign assignment. Rushil Ugarkar and adolescent fast bowler Ritvik Appidi are replaced in the squad by the two seasoned pacers.
The United States of America will start their four-match tri-series against the United Arab Emirates on Monday. Two victories in their final four games over the next ten days will guarantee the top spot in the World Cup League 2 standings. With that, they would have won 23 out of 36 games over the course of three years.
Given his recent performances in the format, Rushil Ugarkar might feel bad about missing out. At an economy rate of less than six, the 23-year-old captured 12 wickets in six games, including a five-wicket haul in Dubai where he shredded the UAE top order and contributed to the hosts’ cheap dismissal.
Prior to the qualifiers, the selectors chose Khan and Singh due to their better experience, which is why he was left out. The 35-year-old former Pakistani international Ehsan Adil keeps his spot, giving the USA a speed attack with a wealth of international experience. Saurabh Netravalkar is in charge of the group.
The core of the batting team is anticipated to consist of captain Monank Patel, vice-captain Sai Teja Mukkamalla, Shehan Jayasuriya, and Milind Kumar. Throughout the current World Cup League 2 cycle, Mukkamalla and Kumar have been very reliable, scoring over 1,100 runs at averages of 52 and 63, respectively.
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Due in part to injuries, Monank has not been at his best in the last two ODI series, but he has still amassed over 900 runs at an average of 35. He has an opportunity to get back on track in the forthcoming games before the qualifications. Despite Shayan Jahangir’s impressive T20 franchise form, Smit Patel, who has nearly 900 runs in the league at an average of 36, is predicted to take the wicketkeeper-opener position at the top of the order. This is an intriguing selection decision.
Sanjay Krishnamurthi, a hard-hitting finisher, maintains his position and has the highest strike rate (102) of any USA batter in the competition. Shubham Ranjane and Harmeet Singh, both all-rounders, continue to offer discipline-specific balance. Looking ahead, Andries Gous and Amshi de Silva—who, following an impressive MLC season, drew a $100,000 bid from Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the ILT20 auction—remain possible additions for the qualifiers in February.
USA full squad for the ODI tri-series
Smit Patel, Monank Patel (C), Shehan Jayasuriya, Sai Teja Mukkamalla (VC), Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Ehsan Adil, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Shayan Jahangir, Yasir Mohammad, Ali Khan, Jasdeep Singh
