The USA cricket team is playing the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. It’s a big deal because they haven’t played on such a major international stage since the 2004 Champions Trophy. This time, they’re also helping to host the event, which adds to the excitement. The team is feeling confident after recently beating Bangladesh in T20 matches, their first series win against a top-level cricket nation. As they prepare for the T20 World Cup, this victory has boosted their morale.
Here are five key USA players to watch in the Ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup
1. Monank Patel
Monank Patel, who was born in India, became the captain of the USA cricket team in mid-2024, shortly before the start of the T20 World Cup that year. As captain, he led the team to impressive series victories over Canada and a strong Bangladesh team.
During his time as captain, Patel scored successive half-centuries in matches against Canada, helping USA win. He also played a crucial innings of 42 runs that led to USA’s exciting six-run victory over Bangladesh at the Prairie View Complex in Texas, against players like Shakib Al Hasan and others.
In his international career so far, Monank Patel has played 25 T20Is and 47 additional ODIs for the USA since his debut in early 2019. He has also gained experience facing international bowlers in leagues such as ILT20 and MLC.
Overall, Monank Patel’s batting skills and leadership are seen as key strengths for the USA team heading into the 2024 T20 World Cup.
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2. Corey Anderson
Corey Anderson, a former New Zealand cricket player, moved from Auckland to Dallas in 2020. He joined the USA’s MLC competition and became eligible to play for the USA in international cricket in 2023. In March 2024, he debuted against Canada.
Anderson’s powerful batting helped the USA defeat both Canada and Bangladesh within a month. This success gave them momentum as they prepared for the 2024 T20 World Cup at home.
At 33 years old, Anderson has played 167 T20 matches, including 36 international games. He has played in competitive leagues like the IPL, CPL, PSL, Australian Big Bash, and USA’s MLC.
With over 3,000 runs scored at a strike rate of nearly 135, Anderson has proven himself against top bowlers. He aims to lead the USA cricket team as they prepare for their first T20 World Cup appearance.
3. Harmeet Singh
Harmeet Singh, who played for India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2012, later competed in domestic cricket for Mumbai and Tripura. In 2021, he moved to Seattle to participate in the USA’s Minor League matches.
Harmeet made his international debut during a series before the T20 World Cup against Canada in March 2024, . In his first match against a Test-playing team, he scored a quick 33 not out off just 13 balls against Bangladesh, helping the USA secure a thrilling five-wicket victory.
This win set the stage for USA’s historic series triumph over Bangladesh right before the T20 World Cup began.
Known for his powerful batting and effective left-arm spin bowling in the middle overs, Harmeet Singh’s recent performances have made him a key player to watch for the USA in the upcoming global event featuring 20 teams in June.
4. Steven Taylor
Steven Taylor is considered one of the best batters the USA has ever had. He started playing internationally in 2019, but he’s been part of the USA cricket scene since 2012.
In T20 internationals, Taylor has an impressive average of 41.22 and scores at a fast pace of 142.41 runs per game when he opens the batting. Recently, he played crucial innings against Bangladesh in Prairie View and also took important wickets with his off-spin bowling.
His presence in the USA squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup also provides an extra option for wicketkeeping if needed, which benefits his captain, Monank Patel.
5. Ali Khan
Ali Khan, who was born in Pakistan, became well-known in American cricket for his speed and accuracy. At 33 years old, he is the most experienced bowler in the USA team, having played in major T20 leagues like PSL, IPL, MLC, BPL, CPL, and Canada’s Global T20.
In total, Khan has taken 73 wickets in 68 T20 matches and has maintained an economy rate of about 8.5 runs per over, which is impressive in today’s high-scoring games. Recently, he played a key role in USA’s six-run win against Bangladesh by taking 3 wickets for 25 runs.
Ali Khan’s experience, current form, and fast bowling skills make him one of the standout players to watch for in the USA team at the T20 World Cup 2024.
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