Monank Patel is focused on the next challenge for the US – playing for India©AFP
USA captain Monunk Patel believes the landmark T20 World Cup win over Pakistan will open “a lot of doors” but wants to keep his emotions in check and focus on the upcoming match against India. Co-hosts USA stunned former champions Pakistan in the Super Over on Thursday but will face another formidable opponent in India on June 12.
“I am happy with the win. It was an incredible performance to beat Pakistan for the first time in the World Cup. Now our focus is on facing India,” Patel said at the post-match press conference.
“But I don’t want to get too emotional or too down. I want to enjoy the win and come back fresh the next day,” he added.
Patel, who scored a crucial fifty, argued that a victory against the Asian powerhouse would have a major impact on US cricket as a whole: “A win against Pakistan in the World Cup would open a lot of doors for us. (Hosting) the World Cup is a big achievement in itself and if we perform here as a team it would help grow cricket in the US.”
“It’s a big day for Team USA and I would say for not only the United States but the U.S. cricket community,” Patel said.
But despite topping Group A with four points after wins over Canada and Pakistan, they’re not ready to think about progressing to the Super Eight just yet.
“We are not worried about what people say – that their victory was a fluke. We know what we have done and what capabilities we have.”
“I don’t even want to think about the Ireland game right now. The Super Eight is a long way away. We’re just focused on that game,” he explained.
But for now, Patel said team members are in celebration of their surprise win.
“Obviously, everyone is happy and enjoying themselves with their teammates, family and friends,” he added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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