U.S. -WORLD CUP CRICKET- UP* : HONOURS

 

NEW YORK : US cricketers warn Pakistan and India of tough games at WC : The United States cricket team, set to co-host the ICC World Cup 2024, features a diverse squad comprising foreign players attracted by Major League Cricket [MLC] migrants from cricketing nations like India and Pakistan, and local talents afforded the opportunity to play professionally in the United States.

The team's standout player is former New Zealand allrounder Corey Anderson.

He played 13 Tests, 49 ODIs and 31 T20 internationals for New Zealand from 2013 to 2018, though his career was marred by injuries.

Anderson has participated in T20 leagues in Australia, India, the Caribbean, and the UAE, before joining the San Francisco Unicorns in the MLC. He recently made his first half-century for the U.S. in a T20 victory over Canada.

Another key player is Mumbai-born Harmeet Singh, who played for India in two Under-19 World Cups.

Harmeet shone for the U.S. in a stunning victory against Bangladesh, only their second win against a full ICC member. He scored 33 runs off 13 balls, partnering with Anderson in an unbeaten, match-winning 62-run stand.

Harmeet emphasized the significance of such victories and credited the team's rigorous training and collective effort.

'' You don't always get an opportunity to win a game against a big side like this every day,'' Harmeet said. '' The way the boys have been training, it is a personal effort from everybody. It means a lot to us to put on a show against Bangladesh,'' Harmeet said.

The U.S will kick off the tournament against Canada on June 1, facing tougher opponents in Group A, including India, Pakistan and Ireland.

However, Harmeet is confident in his fellow teammates and their match-winning ability against teams.

'' We are no walkovers. I think our potential is immense. We have a lot of match-winners in the team. It gives us the edge. We bat as well now,'' he said.

'' Everyone wants to do well, and that's helping the side,'' he added.

Among the foreign-born players is Ali Khan, a right-arm fast bowler who moved from Pakistan to the U.S, at 18. Khan debuted for the U.S. in 2016 and has since played in prominent leagues like the IPL, CPL, and PSL.

The team is captained by Monank Patel, an Indian-born wicketkeeper batsman who settled in New Jersey in 2016. 

Patel, who played junior cricket for Gujarat, has represented the U.S. in 47 one-day internationals and 23 T20 internationals since 2019. [ REUTERS ]