T20 World Cup: Meet Mumbai-born Oracle employee Saurabh Netravalkar​​, the hero of USA's upset win over Pakistan

The USA claimed a significant upset in the T20 World Cup by defeating Pakistan in a thrilling match that extended into a Super Over. Asked to bat first, Pakistan could only manage 159/7 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, the USA matched this total, also scoring 159/3 in their 20 overs, leading to the need for a Super Over to determine the winner. The USA scored 18/1 in the Super Over, and Pakistan, in the face of accurate bowling from Saurabh Netravalkar, the most capped cricket player of the US, could only manage 13/1. Netravalkar was miserly with the ball during the Pakistan innings, giving away just 18 runs in four overs and scalped two wickets.

Who is Saurabh Netravalkar?

Saurabh Netravalkar, the linchpin of the USA's bowling attack, played a pivotal role in their victory. Born in Mumbai in 1991, Netravalkar emerged as the highest wicket-taker for India Under-19s during the 2010 Under-19 World Cup. Despite a brief stint in India's domestic cricket, he transitioned to represent the USA, showcasing his prowess with 73 wickets in ODIs and 24 wickets in T20s.

Netravalkar's proficiency as a left-arm bowler, renowned for his accurate line and length, has been instrumental in the USA's cricketing success. He holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and has been employed at Oracle for over seven years.


Netravalkar's remarkable journey from Mumbai's youth setups to the international cricket arena epitomizes dedication and talent, inspiring both on and off the field.

Pakistan Vs US match report

Left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige of US also played a pivotal role, taking three wickets for 30 runs as Pakistan struggled to accelerate their scoring rate, ultimately finishing at 159/7 in their T20 World Cup match. The USA's decision to bowl first proved effective, with Mohammad Rizwan dismissed in the second over, caught by Steven Taylor off Saurabh Netravalkar's bowling.

Pakistan encountered further setbacks as Usman Khan was caught by Nitish Kumar off Kenjige's bowling, leaving them at 26/2. Despite Fakhar Zaman's attempt to inject momentum with aggressive strokes, he departed after a catch by Taylor off Ali Khan, leaving Pakistan at 26/3.

Shadab Khan (40 off 25) and skipper Babar Azam (44 off 43) briefly revived Pakistan's innings, with Azam hitting a boundary to accumulate 20 runs from the 10th over. However, Kenjige's crucial wickets of Shadab and Azam Khan halted Pakistan's momentum, reducing them to 98/5 in 13 overs.

Despite a late flourish from Iftikhar Ahmed (18 off 14) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (23 not out off 16 balls), Pakistan could only muster a total beyond the 150-run mark.