USA Boost: Cricket On The Rise
For cricket to break into the United States of America, it needed a spectacle. Drama, entertainment, high-quality skill, and a sprinkle of chaos were all essential ingredients. When the co-hosts of the T20 World Cup stunned former champions Pakistan in Texas with a super-over showpiece, cricket in the USA truly arrived.
Historic Victory Against Pakistan
The US played their first T20 international in 2019, are competing in their first World Cup, and were facing Pakistan for the first time. Ranked 18th in the world, behind Nepal and the UAE, the USA was not expected to topple a cricketing giant like Pakistan, who reached the final in 2022 and won it in 2009.
“Beating Pakistan is a big achievement,” said US captain Monank Patel. “It’s a big day for Team USA. Not just for USA, for the USA cricket community too.”
USA STUNS PAKISTAN AT THE MEN’S T20 CRICKET WORLD CUP 🚨
Biggest upset in the sport's history 🤯 pic.twitter.com/V5x3QYrdWN
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 6, 2024
Texas Provides the Thrills
While New York’s slow pitches produced low-scoring matches, Texas delivered the fireworks. This setting, home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, proved that cricket in the States could be spectacular. Aaron Jones’ 10 sixes against Canada kick-started the tournament, but it was the team’s unity and resilience against Pakistan that captured hearts.
“I’ve got shivers down my spine,” said former Netherlands all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate on BBC Test Match Special. “Coming from an associate nation myself, I know how difficult this is. But what a memorable day and a shot in the arm for USA cricket.”
Major League Cricket and Future Prospects
This victory could redefine cricket in the USA, home to Major League Cricket, one of the world’s newest and most glamorous T20 leagues. With cricket set to make its reappearance at the Olympic Games in LA in 2028, the sport is on an upward trajectory in the States.
“Beating Pakistan in the World Cup is going to open many doors for us,” added Monank. “Hosting the World Cup in the USA and performing here as a team helps us grow cricket in the USA.”
Celebrations and Implications
The emotion and impact of the victory were palpable. The US team went toe-to-toe with Pakistan for the full 40 overs, with nothing to separate the sides until Nitish Kumar’s crucial boundary off Haris Rauf’s final ball. Saurabh Netravalkar’s clutch performance in the super over sealed the deal, leading to jubilant celebrations.
“I am so proud of how we played,” said Monank, who scored a vital half-century. “It was a proper team effort. Winning the toss, we knew we had to make sure we utilised conditions, and credit to our bowlers for doing that.”
A Landmark Moment for US Cricket
This victory is one of the landmark moments in the history of cricket in the United States. Joe Lynn, curator of the United States Cricket Museum, described the result as “huge” for cricket in the country.
“This tournament could not have started better from the US perspective. To win the first game against Canada was one thing, but beating a full-member nation like Pakistan is something else,” Lynn said. “Perhaps it’s always been a misnomer to say cricket died in the US at the hands of baseball, but I think it’s been in hibernation more than anything else. With Major League Cricket and this World Cup, it is a reawakening of sorts.”
Looking Ahead
While Pakistan’s tournament is far from over, their poor start has put them on the back foot. They have a crucial match against rivals India in New York on Sunday, which could define their campaign.
“If you lose a match, you are always upset,” said Pakistan captain Babar Azam. “We are not playing well, in fielding, bowling, and batting. I am upset. As a professional, you have to step up.”
Meanwhile, the USA tops Group A and is poised to make a deep run in the tournament. This remarkable journey not only boosts cricket’s profile in the US but also sets the stage for a brighter future for the sport in the land of opportunity.
