Priyansh Arya provided an explosive start with a blistering 28 off just 13 deliveries, forging a rapid 43-run opening stand with Narayan Jagadeesan, who went on to headline the innings with a magnificent century, as India A defeated the USA by 38 runs in their ICC T20 World Cup warm-up match at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Monday.
Tilak Varma marked a successful return to competitive cricket with a composed 38, while Jagadeesan’s aggressive 104 powered India A to a commanding victory. This was India A’s first of two warm-up fixtures ahead of the World Cup, with Ayush Badoni’s side set to face Namibia on February 6. Meanwhile, the senior Indian men’s team will also feature in a warm-up clash against South Africa on February 4 before the T20 World Cup 2026.
After winning the toss, the USA opted to bowl first. Arya set the tone early with his attacking intent, striking four boundaries and two sixes. Jagadeesan carried the momentum forward, smashing 104 off 55 balls, laced with 11 fours and five sixes. Tilak Varma supported him well in a century stand, scoring 38 off 24 balls, while skipper Ayush Badoni added late fireworks with an unbeaten 60 off 26 deliveries. India A eventually posted a formidable total of 238 for 3 in 20 overs. For the USA, Shubham Ranjane, Ali Khan, and Jasdeep Singh picked up a wicket each.
In response, the USA lost wickets at regular intervals but showed resilience through Andries Gous, who scored 44 off 31 balls, and Sanjay Krishnamurthi, who struck a quick 41 off just 18 deliveries. Contributions from Ranjane (28 off 17) and Harmeet Singh (25 off nine) helped the USA put up a fight before being bowled out for 200 in 19.4 overs.
Ravi Bishnoi led India A’s bowling attack with figures of 3 for 37, while Naman Dhir and Khaleel Ahmed impressed with two wickets apiece. Tilak Varma also chipped in with a wicket in his lone over.
The match marked Tilak’s return after nearly a month on the sidelines following testicular surgery due to an injury sustained during a Ranji Trophy game in January. He had missed the recent T20I series against New Zealand, which India won 4-1.
Tilak’s comeback comes at a crucial time, as he remains a key figure in India’s T20 setup. With 1,183 runs in 40 T20 matches at an average of 49.29 and a strike rate of 144.09, the left-hander has established himself as a reliable top-order batter. Batting at number three, his ability to balance stability and aggression has drawn comparisons with Virat Kohli. In that role, Tilak has amassed 542 runs in 15 innings at an average of 60.22, including two centuries and three fifties, with a best score of 120 not out.
