As one of the most intriguing associate members, the cricket team from the United States is set to make a thrilling debut at the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024. As the USA prepares for what will be only their second major international big-stage appearance—and their first in 20 years since the 2004 Champions Trophy in England—the cricket carnival is sure to be a momentous occasion.
The fact that the USA is one of the event’s co-hosts and will be attempting to defend their dignity in front of their newly formed and growing fan following only serves to heighten the enthusiasm. After recently winning a historic series against Bangladesh in T20Is, the team is eager to go into the T20 World Cup.
This is their first-ever series victory over a full-member nation. Given that the noteworthy accomplishment occurred just a few days before the 2024 T20 World Cup began, many of their players will undoubtedly feel more confident now.
Here are five of the USA’s main players to keep an eye on at the 2024 T20 World Cup in June, given their unexpected ascent to prominence as an associate T20 powerhouse.
Corey Anderson:
In 2020, Corey Anderson, a former all-rounder from New Zealand, moved to Dallas and joined the MLC in the United States. The explosive all-rounder, who previously held the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket, qualified to play for the USA in international cricket in 2023 and made his debut in a series against Canada in March of 2024.
The USA defeated Bangladesh and Canada in less than a month thanks to Anderson’s hard-hitting style, which gave them much-needed momentum heading into the 2024 T20 World Cup at home.
Monank Patel:
Monank Patel, an Indian, was named captain of the United States of America in the middle of 2024, just before the T20 World Cup 2024 got underway. Patel has already guided the USA cricket team to decisive series victories over Canada and a formidable Bangladeshi squad during his brief time as captain.
The 31-year-old also struck out a match-winning 42 to set up the USA’s exciting six-run victory over the likes of Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, and others at the Prairie View Complex in Texas, following consecutive half-centuries against Canada in winning causes.
Harmeet Singh:
One of the players from India’s 2012 Under-19 World Cup winning team, Harmeet Singh, played cricket for Mumbai and Tripura in his own country before moving to Seattle in 2021 to play in the USA Minor League.
In March 2024, Harmeet was awarded his first international cap during a pre-T20 World Cup matchup with Canada. The all-rounder struck a scorching 13-ball 33* against Bangladesh in his first-ever encounter against a Test-playing country, helping the USA to an incredible five-wicket victory.
Steven Taylor:
Many consider Steven Taylor among the best batters the United States has ever produced. Despite only making his debut on the international scene in 2019, the left-hander has been involved in the American cricket community since 2012.
In T20 internationals, Taylor averages an incredible 41.22 while topping the order with 142.41. In Prairie View, the 30-year-old recently delivered series-defining blows to a seasoned Bangladeshi team while also bringing about crucial breakthroughs with his deft off-breaks.
Ali Khan:
Born in Pakistan, Ali Khan became well-known in American cricket circles for his incredible quickness and precision. The 33-year-old, who has competed in major international T20 tournaments like the PSL, IPL, MLC, BPL, CPL, and Canada’s Global T20, offers the broadest experience to the American bowling scene.
In 68 T20 matches, Khan has amassed 73 wickets overall and, in a high-scoring modern setting, has maintained an economy rate of around eight and a half. He recently claimed match-winning numbers of 3-25 when bowling the USA to a decisive six-run victory over the visiting Bangladeshi team.
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