It was David vs Goliath at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The India cricket team, the reigning T20 World Cup champions, were set to clash against the United States of America (USA) cricket team, ranked 18th in the world. By the end of the powerplay in the first innings, one couldn’t make out who was David and who was Goliath.
India was motoring along at 44/1 in 5 overs. It was slow by India’s lofty standards, but considering the surface, it was a respectable score. Just one over later, USA on top. In the space of 6 balls, the Men in Blue lost 3 wickets. It was Shadley van Schalkwyk, who had bowled the 4th over and given away 8 runs, who did the damage.
Who is Shadley van Schalkwyk?
Barely anyone had heard the right-arm fast bowler’s name, and here he was sending the likes of Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube back to the pavillion. That too, in the same over. So, who is Shadley?
Well, the 37-year-old pacer is originally from South Africa. In fact, before making his move to America, Shadley played for Western Province for 12 years. From 2008 to 2020, he played domestic cricket in South Africa but couldn’t break through. A few months before turning 31, in 2021, he switched his nationality.
In June 2021, Shadley was selected by the Seattle Thunderbolts in the Minor League Cricket. In the next 5 years, the 37-year-old has played 28 international matches, 13 ODIs, and 15 T20Is for the USA. He made his international debut in April 2024 and has featured in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
But, for the last 2 years, Shadley hasn’t played T20I for the USA. His last international 20-over game came in August 2024. Making his comeback after 18 months, Shadley has claimed the wickets of 3 of India’s best batters. Some comeback for the 37-year-old as he registers the best-ever powerplay figures against India in T20 World Cup history.
Best powerplay spell vs India in T20 World Cup history
- 3/10 – Shadley van Schalkwyk (USA), 2026
- 3/10 – Dirk Nannes (Australia), 2010
- 3/15 – Mohammad Asif (Pakistan), 2007
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