USA slipped just short of the top as New Zealand won the warm-up match by 7 runs. USA were struggling early at 13 for 2 in the first two overs. Chasing a big target of 209 against a strong bowling attack was always going to be tough. They fought hard and came very close, so should they feel proud of the effort, or disappointed for not winning?
There were positives to be taken for sure. Saiteja Reddy Mukkamalla notched up a half-century at a decent clip without seemingly playing an ugly, forced shot. Monank Patel exhibited why he is rated so highly by his own peers. Milind Kumar and Shubham Ranjane played enthralling knocks that send the message that USA won't be out of the contest even if the top-order failed.
With the ball, when most were being carted around, Saurabh Netravalkar returned tidy figures while Shadley van Schalkwyk showed that he can be a good fallback option. The fielding though, left much to be desired. A number of catches were put down, the most costly was the first one, for it rendered Jessy Singh injured. The seamer walked off the field and was later seen with his arm in a sling.
New Zealand showed signs of how they are looking to go about their combination come the World Cup. Glenn Phillips at 4 seems like a certainty. However, they are not looking to bat Daryl Mitchell at 3, given that he came in later. Chapman and Conway auditioned for the slot, but neither had an impact.
Phillips did play a couple of switch hits, but unlike some viral social media posts might tell you, he was not batting left-handed. Ish Sodhi was another one who tried a few different things. We saw him dish out an off-break or two. Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers and finished with 5/32, while Lockie Ferguson did not bowl.
Tim Seifert was the star with the bat in hand. He scored a sprightly 66. Meanwhile, with a couple of outstanding catches, Jimmy Neesham showed why is he is an indispensable part of this team in every department.
