As the T20 World Cup 2026 unfolds in India, the United States cricket team found encouragement from an unexpected yet high-profile corner. US President Donald Trump sent out a message backing Team USA, underlining growing attention around American cricket even as the side navigates the challenges of competing on the global stage.
Donald Trump’s message sparks buzz around USA cricket
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump shared a note of encouragement for the American players participating in the marquee tournament.
“I just heard the Cricket World Cup is underway in India! I wish the best of luck to TEAM USA! We have a very strong team. America is rooting for you!” he wrote.
The post quickly gained traction among cricket fans and observers, particularly because the sport continues to carve out space in the American sporting landscape. Trump’s message was later acknowledged by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, who thanked him publicly for the show of support.
USA President Donal Trump’s post for USA cricket team. pic.twitter.com/maAZuH19sO
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 8, 2026
Brave display against defending champions India
The message came a day after the United States began their campaign with a tough contest against defending champions India at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium. While the result went India’s way by 29 runs, the scoreline did not fully reflect the pressure applied by the associate nation, especially in the first half of the match.
Opting to bowl first, the USA stunned the packed crowd with a disciplined start. India’s star-studded batting lineup struggled against tight lines and energetic fielding, slipping to 77 for six at one stage. South Africa-born pacer Shadley van Schalkwyk was the standout, using clever changes of pace to trouble the top order and inject belief into the American camp.
Suryakumar Yadav steadies India, Mohammed Siraj seals chase
India eventually found stability through their captain Suryakumar Yadav, who combined composure with controlled aggression. His unbeaten 84 anchored the innings and propelled India to a competitive 161 for nine, a total that proved just beyond the USA’s reach.
Chasing 162, the United States were rocked early by Mohammed Siraj’s incisive opening spell, slipping to 13 for three. Though the middle order showed resilience and fought to rebuild, the early collapse left too much ground to recover. The innings closed at 132 for eight, sealing India’s victory.
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American cricket’s slow but steady rise
Despite the loss, the performance highlighted how far USA cricket has come. Led by Monank Patel, the squad reflects a blend of experience and ambition, with many players drawing on backgrounds rooted in the subcontinent while embracing the opportunity to grow the sport in America. Initiatives such as Major League Cricket and structured pathways run by USA Cricket have played a key role in this progress.
The USA’s co-hosting of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, including matches at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, marked another milestone. That event, headlined by the India–Pakistan clash, brought unprecedented visibility to cricket in the country. With Trump’s public backing adding a morale boost, Team USA now turn their attention to their next fixture against Pakistan on February 10.
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