USA President Donald Trump sent a message of support to the American cricket team competing in the ongoing T20 World Cup in India, saying the nation was backing the side.
“I just heard the Cricket World Cup is underway in India! I wish the best of luck to TEAM USA! We have a very strong team. America is rooting for you!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Sunday.
The post drew a response from US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who thanked Trump for his message, saying, “Thank you for the kind words, Mr. President!”
The goodwill message came a day after the United States suffered a 29-run defeat against defending champions India in their tournament opener at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. It wasn’t before the associate, fledgling cricketing
nation, put up a fight and gave the heavweights a big scare.
India survived a dramatic top-order collapse only thanks to a captain’s knock from Suryakumar Yadav. Sent in to bat, India were rocked by disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, slipping to 77 for six as Shadley van Schalkwyk ran through the top-order with his assortment of cutters and slower-ones.
Suryakumar then took control, combining patience with a late onslaught to finish unbeaten on 84 and push India to 161 for nine. In reply, Mohammed Siraj’s incisive first spell reduced the USA to 13 for three, and despite some middle-order resistance, they were restricted to 132 for eight.
Cricket remains a developing sport in the States, with the national team largely comprising players of sub-continent origin. The side is captained by Monank Patel and has made steady progress on the international stage in recent years, while the host board, USA Cricket, has developed a fairly popular competition, Major League Cricket, and other pipeline tournaments.
The USA was one of the co-hosts of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, staging several matches at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Eisenhower Park, New York. That venue also hosted the marquee clash between traditional rivals India and Pakistan, drawing global attention and large crowds.
It’ll host the 2028 Olympics, where cricket is marking its return, though there are some issues at USAC that need to be sorted out before that.
