The United States failed to pull off another incredible cricket World Cup upset as India battled to a seven-wicket victory in New York.
The USA batted first and made a disastrous start, falling to 3-2 in the first over, but recovered to post a respectable 110-8.
And they made a brilliant start to defending that total, with India captain Virat Kohli falling into the golden trap in just the second ball of the game off Saurabh Netravalkar.
Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant followed and India were rocked at 39-3 after 7.3 overs.
And for much of India’s innings, the United States made it closer than many of the 31,000 fans at Nassau Stadium would have expected.
But Shivam Dube and Suryakumar Yadav, who finished unbeaten on 50, led the comeback and took India to victory and the Super 8.
The United States didn’t help themselves: they received a five-run penalty in the 15th over for taking more than 60 seconds between overs for the third time in India’s innings.
But overall, it was a performance to be proud of for the co-hosts in the final World Cup match in New York. The stadium, made up of stands from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, will now be dismantled.
Had the United States won, it would have eliminated Pakistan from the tournament. They will next play Ireland on Friday in Florida. If they win, they will probably advance to the Super 8.
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