USA vs Pakistan. (Source – Getty Images)

The United States of America have stunned the cricketing world with their consistent performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. They defeated Canada in their opening match of the campaign and then went on to shock Pakistan at Nassau County. Even though the Monank Patel-led side lost to India in their third match, there’s a massive opportunity for the team to qualify for the Super 8.

With two wins under their belt, USA have four points to their name and a win against Ireland on June 14 in Florida will cement their spot in the next round. USA have been performing well in the tournament and the team should be confident of their chances but can’t be complacent. There’s still a long way to go and they should back themselves to do well against Ireland and then in the Super 8.

Against India, there were a couple of absentees, which probably troubled them with the combination. Skipper Monank, who was in good form, had to miss out due to a niggle while Nosthush Kenjige was rested. Will there be any changes to the playing XI against Ireland? Let’s dissect:

Openers – Steven Taylor, Monank Patel (wk/c)

Steven Taylor ( Source : X / Twitter )

Steven Taylor is known for his aggressive batting but he has struggled to get going in the T20 World Cup 2024. He has managed to score 36 runs so far in the tournament, which is not enough. The 30-year-old needs to get better and give USA a good start for the middle orders to capitalize.

His opening partner and captain Monank hit 50 against Pakistan but unfortunately missed out against India. He is likely to make a comeback against Ireland and will be key for the team as well. His keeping has been very good as well and the team will depend on him to give a good start, especially when Taylor has struggled so far.

Check Here: WC Points Table

Middle Order – Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Nitish Kumar

Nitish Kumar ( Source : Getty Images )

Andries Gous has been one of the most consistent performers in the T20 World Cup. He has played a key part in USA’s success so far and will be vital in the upcoming games as well. The 30-year-old made 102 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 132.46 and is currently the fifth-leading run-scorer of the tournament.

Aaron Jones has been phenomenal and USA’s biggest match-winner this tournament. He has made 141 runs in three matches and with that, Jones is currently the second-leading run-scorer in the tournament. He has been a force to reckon with and can also adapt quickly, which is extremely vital.

Nitish Kumar has been clinical for USA. He played an important 14* runs knock against Pakistan and made 27 against India when the hosts were struggling. He is a key part of the jigsaw and can bowl as well if required.

Check Here: WC Most Sixes

All-rounders – Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh

Harmeet Singh. (Source -Twitter/X)

Corey Anderson hasn’t been at his best in the tournament. He didn’t get a lot of opportunities as well but the all-rounder needs some game time before getting into his zone. He has done reasonably well with the ball and can contribute significantly against Ireland. Like Corey, Harmeet Singh hasn’t done much in the last three matches but can deliver in crunch times. 

Check Here: T20 World Cup Schedule 2024

Bowlers – Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan

Saurabh Netravalkar ( Source : Getty Images )

Jasdeep Singh, Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan will take care of the pace department. Out of which, Netravalkar has been the story of the tournament so far. He has picked up four wickets in three matches so far but has been extremely impactful. Ali Khan too has been sensational while Jasdeep has been economical. Together, they cover all the bases and will be very important against Ireland.

Nosthush Kenjige is likely to replace Shadley van Schalkwyk in the playing XI. He picked up three wickets against Pakistan but missed out on the match against India. 

USA’s Predicted Playing XI:

Steven Taylor, Monank Patel (wk/c), Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Nitish Kumar, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan