While Pakistan sweated over the prospects of play getting underway in Florida for about 3 hours after the scheduled start of play, USA were a relaxed bunch, enjoying a marathon game of cards over doubles (Chole wrapped in a Roti). After four pitch inspections over 3 apprehensive hours, it took a torrential shower to finally spill the gospel. Not only are USA going to the super 8s in their first ever World Cup but also booked a berth at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Bangladesh.
“Yeah, definitely we are celebrating. Everybody’s happy right now. Obviously qualifying for the Super Eights is a big thing, so everybody’s happy right now.” said stand-in skipper Aaron Jones at a press conference after the washout.
Jones took the opportunity to call on the full members to reckon the force that America is now in the cricketing world. In their short history of playing full members in T20Is, USA have won five out of eight times. USA have looked a hungry side throughout the season, beginning with their four nil rout of Canada followed by the Bangladesh series win. The Pakistan win gave them the teeth to further pound some flesh out of the almighty India. With 35 needed of five on a dicey wicket, the motley crew managed to send a serious scare in the star studded India dug out. It is understood that top bracket full member nations have already expressed interest to USA Cricket to tour and invite USA in the near future for bilateral serieses.
“It’s a big thing for us to be honest. Over the last couple of years, we’ve been speaking about playing in the World Cup, playing more games against the Full Member nations and stuff like that. And here we are doing it right now. And obviously qualifying for the Super Eights is really good. Not only for us right now in the moment but I think we’ll qualify for the 2026 World Cup as well so I think it’s a big thing for us. Not only for us but the fans around America as well. We really appreciate them for sure and not only for the fans but for the younger generation in America as well,” Jones added.
USA will be upbeat to head to the Caribbean for the next round of games as they play South Africa in Antigua and West Indies and England in Barbados. Ali Khan, the breakout American star of the CPL has been a constant in the CPL since 2016. Jones himself grew up in Barbados and is a product of the Barbados first class system. Besides him, Steven Taylor too spent a first class season playing for Jamaica apart from his handful CPL appearances. Players like Monank Patel, Nostush Kenjige, Jasdeep Singh, Nitish Kumar and Saurabh Netravalkar too have been part of squads playing List A cricket in the Caribbean for a couple of seasons.
“It’s really good for me to go back home. I’m really happy right now. I think I’ll get a lot of support for sure, especially in Barbados. So, definitely looking forward to it” said Jones on his impending return to the Caribbean.
