‘We are no walkovers’ – USA cricketer’s bold statement ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

USA Cricket Team ( Source : ICC )

The United States of America who will be co-hosting the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, have served notice that they plan to be more than just pushovers in the tournament.

With a squad consisting of foreign recruits from major nations and American talents, they believe they have what it takes to create some surprises against the game’s traditional powerhouses like Pakistan and India.

The USA team is a mix of imported players drawn by the lucrative Major League Cricket, along with migrants from cricket nations like India, Pakistan, and others trying to make their mark professionally in America. Former New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson and Indian under-19 star Harmeet Singh are among the marquee names.

It was Singh who sparked the discussions of the USA being no pushovers after his side recently registered a historic win over Bangladesh.

“We are no walkovers. I think our potential is immense. We have a lot of match-winners on the team. It gives us the edge. We bat as well now. 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 as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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The 31-year-old believes the team’s flexibility and the players having skills which could prove to be hurtful for any opponent on any given date.

“A lot of guys can also bowl two to four overs, like Steven [Taylor] did. Nitish [Kumar] and Milind [Kumar] can bowl a few overs. We have bench strength too. The competition within the team is helping us. Everyone wants to do well, and that’s helping the side,” he added.

The USA also consists of quality overseas recruits like Pakistan-born fast bowler Ali Khan, who has played in big franchise cricket around the globe like IPL, CPL, and PSL.

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Their captain Monank Patel is an Indian-born wicketkeeper batter who has represented the USA since 2019. South African gloveman Andries Gous and Indian all-rounder Milind Kumar, with over 6000 first-class runs.

Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja is among those warning the big teams not to underestimate the USA team’s potential in the upcoming tournament.

“I think the US might give tough time to Pakistan because they also have some expats from India and Pakistan playing for them,” he said.