The clash between USA and Southern Superstars in the CSA Cubs Week 2025 tournament provided cricket fans with a thrilling game filled with intense moments, tactical play, and standout performances. The USA triumphed with a comprehensive victory, defending their total of 244 and bowling out the Southern Superstars for 139 in the finals of CSA Cubs Week 2025.
The USA set a competitive target of 244 runs, anchored by a stellar innings from Utkarsh Srivastava, who scored 95 off 119 balls. Despite a cautious start, Srivastava showcased patience and technique, hitting seven boundaries and building the innings after early setbacks. His performance was crucial as USA lost wickets at regular intervals.
Amrinder Gill and Dharshan Haribabu opened the innings but couldn’t capitalize on their starts. Gill’s 35 off 60 was steady but lacked acceleration, while Haribabu managed 15 before being dismissed by Raeeq Daniels, who emerged as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 53. The middle order struggled, with Jeremy Samuel departing for a duck and Shiv Shani contributing just 4.
The recovery came through Sabrish Prasad, whose quickfire 41 off 37 balls, including two fours and two sixes, provided the momentum USA needed in the latter stages. He was well-supported by Arjun Mahesh, who chipped in with a handy 23. Extras contributed significantly to the total, with 19 runs coming from wides, no-balls, and byes.
Despite the late flurry, USA’s innings concluded with a mix of disciplined bowling from Southern Superstars, especially Callum Appollis, whose economy rate of 3.0 stood out, and some loose deliveries that cost them crucial runs.
Chasing 244, the Southern Superstars never found their rhythm. A disastrous start saw them lose Adnaan Lagadien and Benjamin Hansen within the first three overs. Lagadien managed just 6 before being bowled by Arya Garg, while Hansen fell for a duck.
The backbone of the chase was Divan Linde’s 55 off 69. Linde exhibited resilience and was the only batter to cross the 50-run mark, striking five boundaries. He was supported briefly by Daniel Bosman, who scored 36 off 51, but the pair failed to maintain a threatening run rate. The turning point came when Ansh Rai dismissed Bosman, leaving the middle order exposed.
USA’s bowlers capitalized on the pressure, with Adit Kappa delivering a match-winning spell. Kappa’s 4 for 13 in 7.5 overs, including the key dismissals of Paul James and Taywin Cole Adams, dismantled the Southern Superstars’ lower order. Ansh Rai also contributed with 3 for 33, applying pressure through consistent line and length. Arya Garg chipped in with two crucial early wickets.
Extras again played a role, with 14 runs added to Southern Superstars’ total, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap. The innings folded in the 33rd over, with Southern Superstars falling short by 105 runs.
The match highlighted USA’s balanced approach with bat and ball. While Utkarsh Srivastava’s near-century laid the foundation, the bowling unit, led by Kappa and Rai, ensured a dominant victory. For Southern Superstars, Linde’s knock was a silver lining, but their inability to build partnerships cost them dearly.