14 Years After a Heartbreaking Defeat at U-19 World Cup, Saurabh Netravalkar Exacts Revenge on Pakistan

Saurabh Netravalkar finally got a win over Pakistan in a world cup match after he played a key role in taking USA to a historic win against the Babar Azam-led side in Dallas on Thursday.

14 years ago, Netravalkar was part of a heartbreaking quarterfinals defeat to Pakistan at the 2010 ICC U-19 World Cup while representing the junior Indian team.

Also Read: Saurabh Netravalkar, USA’s Super-Over Hero Techie

He then shifted base to USA and eventually qualified to represent the country at the international level. On Thursday, the left-arm pacer produced a memorable show in a T20 World Cup 2024 clash against Pakistan at the Grand Prairie Stadium.

Scalping two wickets in his four-over spell, Netravalkar spearheaded the co-hosts to one of the most shocking upsets in the T20 World Cup history. With the match going into the Super Over, the pacer defended 18 runs to seal the deal.

Fans reacted to the game with a few of them suggesting that Netravalkar finally had his moment of revenge. “It’s revenge time for Saurabh,” one wrote.

Another jokingly said that Pakistan’s shocking defeat was not anything unheard of. “Just a regular defeat for Pakistan,” the user wrote.

“He is a Principal Member of Technical Staff at Oracle,” highlighted one.

“What a match. USA Rockstar team,” wrote another.

Another chimed in, “Bro took revenge for India.”

For the unversed Netravalkar began his cricket journey with the Indian team. He represented the Men in Blue at the 2010 U-19 World Cup, playing alongside KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal.

In that tournament, Netravalkar and company were tasked to defend 114 runs against Pakistan in the quarter-finals. Alongside Sandeep Sharma and Jaydev Unadkat, he was part of a fine pace attack but Pakistan edged past with a narrow two-wicket victory. The loss had put an end to India’s campaign.

Netravalkar’s two wickets helped the co-hosts curb Pakistan at 159 in their first ever meeting in international cricket.

During the run chase, USA skipper Monank Patel scored a half-century as the contest ended a tie.

In the Super Over, USA scored 18 runs and in response Pakistan managed 13.

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