As the sun went down on the western coast of the country, excitement and noise took the front seat as India geared up to host the USA in their opening 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup fixture. However, the Wankhede stadium was silenced within a few overs into the game as India’s star studded batting lineup went trembling.

USA’s pinpoint balling unit tore India’s batting order to shreds. Shadley van Schalkwyk led the charge for the USA on their day of no error against India and made sure that the men in blue go back to the drawing board and solve their issues. Interestingly, the visitors have not played a single T20I game since April 2025 while India arrived at the World Cup on the back of a series win over New Zealand.

Let us take a look at who is the USA’s star bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk.

Early life and career

Born and brought up in South Africa’s Cape Town, Shadley van Schalkwyk has played competitive cricket across multiple levels and eventually became a bowling all-rounder. He spent a lot of time in South Africa’s domestic setup before moving out to the United States in the search of better opportunities. That is when he was selected by the USA cricket team and then he made his T20I and ODI debut against Canada in 2024.

Stats

Shadley hasn’t played many international matches for the USA, but still has decent numbers to show for his efforts. He has scored over 170 runs across ODIs and T20Is for the USA while scoring a half-century. But, his bowling stats is where he shines the most. With 17 wickets in 13 outings, he has maintained an economy rate of below six in ODIs and has notched up 15 wickets in 14 T20I games with an economy of less than 10.

Stats against India

The 37-year-old defied all odds and showcased a masterclass of a bowling performance against defending champions and title favourites India. He took down three wickets in a single over and completely destroyed India’s middle order. Schalkwyk dismissed Ishan Kishan in the second ball of the sixth over before showing Tilak Verma the exit door in the fifth ball of the sixth over. He wrapped up a perfect over with the wicket of Shivam Dube in the last ball of the over.

T20 World Cup stats

The all-rounder has scored 29 runs in 3 innings at the T20 World Cup. On the bowling front, he has notched up three wickets so far in five games with an economy rate of 8.48.

Record

Shadley van Schalkwyk holds the record for the 42nd highest partnership for the ninth wicket. Schalkwyk formed a solid combination with Nosthush Kenjige and scored 71 runs in an ODI game against Scotland in Dallas in October 2024.