USA fast bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk underlined the importance of preparation for Associate nations, revealing that meticulous planning and unconventional field placements helped his side catch India off guard in their T20 World Cup opener.

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Van Schalkwyk finished with impressive figures of 4 for 25, including a decisive three-wicket burst in the sixth over that reduced India to 46 for four at the end of the powerplay.

“As Associate cricketers, as everyone calls us, we pride ourselves on being good cricketers first,” van Schalkwyk said after the match. “We don’t get many chances to play on the biggest stage, so doing our homework is critical. We trust our plans and back our preparation.”

He explained that the USA’s approach was built on detailed analysis, with players who had previous experience in Indian conditions and a strong support staff crunching numbers behind the scenes.

“We’ve got guys who’ve played here before, and others who sit behind the computer and give us the stats, where to bowl and how to set fields. We trust that information, practise it, and try to execute it as best as we can. Fortunately, today was my day.”

However, the 37-year-old warned against the dangers of over-planning, stressing the need for balance when facing top international sides.

“If you over-plan, you sometimes make players seem better than they actually are and that can make you nervous. We know what these guys like to do, we’ve seen enough of them on TV, in the IPL, everywhere. The key is trusting what you know and sticking to it.”

Van Schalkwyk said India were clearly unsettled by some of USA’s field placements. “The different fields we set, I don’t think many players are used to that. For me, it’s about trusting the preparation. I’ve seen a lot of cricket, and that experience helps.”

Despite USA’s strong bowling display, India were rescued by captain Suryakumar Yadav, whose blistering 84 not out off 49 balls, featuring 10 fours and four sixes, powered the hosts to 161 for 9.

Suryakumar’s late assault included 21 runs off the final over bowled by Saurabh Netravalkar, one of three USA players with Mumbai roots.

“That’s going to happen in games like this, especially with one shorter boundary,” van Schalkwyk said. “Saurabh has been unbelievable for us, and he’s an absolute gentleman.”

The USA pacer said his side still believed they had a chance while chasing, even as momentum swung India’s way.

“If you keep India to around 170, you’ll always feel you’re in the game. We’re a good side. But you have to give credit to SKY, that innings was the difference.”

Reflecting on the chase, van Schalkwyk admitted that losing early wickets hurt the USA’s chances, despite a brief recovery through Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Milind Kumar.

“Losing wickets in the powerplay puts you on the back foot. Sanjay and Milind batted well through the middle, but their spinners adjusted quickly and bowled really well. Credit to them for reading the wicket.”

(By PTI Inputs)