Shadley Claude van Schalkwyk produced a sensational spell for the in their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, briefly putting the hosts under serious pressure.
Bowling in the powerplay, van Schalkwyk turned the game on its head by claiming three wickets in a single over. He first dismissed Ishan Kishan with a well-disguised slower delivery, followed by Tilak Varma, who mistimed a short ball and was caught at mid-wicket by USA captain Monank Patel. The over ended dramatically as Shivam Dube fell to another slower short ball, safely caught by Saurabh Netravalkar at short fine leg.
Pre-match expectations had India posting a massive total, but van Schalkwyk’s burst reduced them to 45 for 4 at the end of the powerplay, and later to 86 for 6 in 14.1 overs. USA had earlier chosen to bowl after winning the toss. India were without Jasprit Bumrah due to illness, with Mohammed Siraj drafted into the playing XI.
Van Schalkwyk, a South Africa-born American all-rounder, represents the USA and the Los Angeles Knight Riders. Born in Cape Town in 1988, he began his professional career in South Africa before moving to the USA, making his T20I debut in 2024. Despite his heroics, India recovered later and went on to win the match by 29 runs. (With inputs from Agencies)