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SPORTS JUNE 21, 2024 | The Indian Eye 47

T20 WORLD CUP

USA Cricket’s Rise: From Underdogs to

Super 8 Contenders in the T20 World Cup

Monank Patel, the US captain, embodies this surging passion for cricket in the USA. Hailing
from Gujarat, India, Patel’s love for the sport began at a young age, nurtured by his father

qualification has not only bolstered
their confidence but also brought a
significant financial boost through
prize money and a surge in national
interest for the sport. Looking for-
ward to their upcoming matches in
Barbados, Jones anticipates fervent
local support, reflecting the growing
global recognition of USA cricket.
Another standout American
player is Saurabh Netravalkar, an
ARCHAN MEHTA Indian-born talent making waves at
the T20 World Cup. More than just
New York, NY
a brilliant mind with a Cornell degree
ricket is experiencing a surge and a successful career as an Oracle
in popularity within the USA, engineer, Netravalkar is a skilled left-
Cfueled in part by the ongoing arm bowler. He previously donned
T20 World Cup. Team USA’s impres- the Indian U-19 jersey but couldn’t
sive performance, marked by victo- crack the senior squad. Now, proudly
ries against powerhouses like Paki- representing the USA, he became a
stan and Canada, has brought their national hero by successfully defend-
potential to the forefront. While the ing 18 runs in a super over against
abandoned match against Ireland due Pakistan, securing a historic victory.
to a wet outfield played a role in their Netravalkar personifies the ideal bal-
qualification (awarding both teams a ance between academics and athlet-
point), it can’t diminish their strong ics, inspiring young people to pursue
showing throughout the group stage. their passions in both areas. It could
This advancement to the Super 8 has just be coincidence that oracle stock
significantly raised the sport’s profile is up 13% since the time Saurabh dis-
in the country. The success not only missed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
boosts interest and investment in on June 12th!
cricket, but also guarantees automatic As the T20 World Cup progress-
qualification for the 2026 T20 World es, eight teams – India, Australia, En-
Cup, promising continued growth and gland, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, West
engagement. This performance from Indies, USA, and South Africa – have
Team USA is proving they don’t just advanced to the Super 8 stage. Team
play baseball with a weird stick nor its embodies this surging passion for cases their untapped potential and USA’s journey continues with a match
just about hot dogs and home runs. cricket in the USA. Hailing from Gu- unwavering spirit. Aaron Jones, a against South Africa on June 19 in
Leading this American charge is jarat, India, Patel’s love for the sport flamboyant player on the team, em- Antigua. They then face the West In-
seasoned coach Stuart Law. With a began at a young age, nurtured by his phasizes that their success is a result dies on June 21 in Barbados, followed
coaching history encompassing teams father. Immigrating to the US, he ini- of both determination and honed by a clash against England on June
like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West In- tially ran a restaurant, putting cricket skills, not just luck. While the rain-af- 23, also in Barbados. Dominating the
dies, and Afghanistan, Law’s philos- on the back burner. However, when fected match played a part in their group stage, India has secured their
ophy emphasizes trust and empower- the opportunity to play for the US qualification, Jones highlights their spot in the Super 8. They’ll face off
ing his players to showcase their skills. team arose, he grabbed it with both burning desire to prove themselves against Australia, Afghanistan, and
He also prioritizes fostering strong hands, viewing it as a second chance on the field. He expresses immense Bangladesh in this next round. The
team relationships, a key ingredient at high-level cricket. His crucial pride in the often-overlooked talent matches will be held across Barbados,
in helping underdog teams rise to the half-century against Pakistan stands within the US team, confident that Antigua, and St Lucia, with only the
challenge. as a testament to his dedication. they can compete with any opponent top two teams from this group pro-
Monank Patel, the US captain, This rise of USA cricket show- when they play proper cricket. This gressing to the thrilling semifinals.

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