India fans flood New York cricket stadium for T20 match vs. USA – but some have mixed allegiances
It was a virtual India vs. India scenario at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York as the T20 World Cup favorites advanced to the Super Eight stage by defeating the United States, a team predominantly composed of immigrants, many from India.
The stadium buzzed with enthusiasm during the match, with Indian supporters dominating the crowd. However, there were also American supporters present, including many of Indian descent, some of whom sported jerseys displaying both teams’ names.
Vinay Manhass traveled from North Carolina specifically for the game, wearing a hat adorned with the flags of both the U.S. and India, and carrying the U.S. flag. Manhass expressed to USA TODAY that despite living in the U.S. for over 30 years and usually supporting his home team, on this occasion he cheered for the U.S. to win.
“I’m thrilled that cricket has finally gained popularity in the U.S.,” Manhass remarked, noting a rising interest in the sport among his American friends.
Several couples were also seen in the crowd, with one partner wearing an Indian team jersey and the other sporting a U.S. cricket team jersey.
Earlier, SeatGeek informed USA TODAY that Wednesday’s match was the second most sought-after event at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, with the India vs. Pakistan match on Sunday being the most popular. This match also marked the stadium’s final event before its dismantling and the area being cleared.
India vs. U.S. Match Recap India won the toss and chose to bowl on a pitch known for its unpredictability. Despite the U.S. cricket team’s confidence after consecutive victories, they faced tough competition from Indian players, who managed to score heavily.
Despite Silicon Valley star Saurabh Netravalkar dismissing Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli early in the game, the partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube proved crucial for India’s triumph.
India also benefited when the U.S. team incurred a five-run penalty for three instances of exceeding the 60-second limit to start a new over, a new rule introduced by the ICC.
Following the match, Sharma expressed pride in Yadav and Dube for their composed partnership that steered the team to victory. He also praised his bowlers, especially Man of the Match Arshdeep Singh, for providing a strong start and dismissing the opening batsmen.
Vice-captain Aaron Jones, who led the team in the absence of injured captain Monank Patel, commended his bowlers for keeping the game competitive and found satisfaction in their performance.
Jones mentioned that the team would strategize in upcoming meetings and would be fully prepared to face Ireland in their next match.
Next Matches for U.S. and India The U.S. team will face Ireland in their next game on Friday, June 14 at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida.
India, meanwhile, will take on Canada in their next match on Saturday, June 15 at the same venue.
2024 T20 World Cup Team Lineups The U.S. Playing XI includes:
- Aaron Jones (captain)
- Andries Gous
- Corey Anderson
- Ali Khan
- Harmeet Singh
- Jessy Singh
- Nitish Kumar
- Saurabh Nethralvakar
- Shadley Van Schalkwyk
- Steven Taylor
- Shayan Jahangir
India’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup includes:
- Rohit Sharma (captain)
- Hardik Pandya (vice-captain)
- Virat Kohli
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Rishabh Pant
- Shivam Dube
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohd. Siraj