T20 World Cup: USA Captain Monank Patel shifts attention to India after mauling Pakistan

Team USA captain Monank Patel has shifted attention to the game against India quickly after his side scripted history by beating Pakistan in their T20 World Cup group game in Dallas on Thursday (June 6). Speaking about his team’s stunning performance against the former winners, Monank said the game should have never gone into the super over, given how well they were placed in the run chase.

Monank revealed the huddle talk that took place ahead of the super-over, saying the co-hosts were never under any pressure in the first place and that Pakistan had everything to lose in their tournament opener.

Team USA batted first in the super over (per the rule that the chasing side bats first) and scored 18 runs, including seven extras. That total was, however, huge enough for any Test-playing nation, let alone Pakistan, as the home side won the contest thrillingly.

“I thought we should have finished the game (in regular time), and we should have never gone to Super Over. I mean the way we kept our nerves…and in the Super Over particularly, scoring 18 runs gave us a big upper hand to defend the target,” Patel said in the post-match press conference.

“In the huddle, we talked about - ‘there’s no pressure for us’. All the pressure is in front of Pakistan. We knew that we didn’t have enough support from the crowd. Pakistan had more support from the crowd.

“I thought it will backfire on them, and if we play good cricket, they’ll be more under pressure,” Patel continued.

Emotions in check ahead of India tie

Considering where both teams stand in world cricket, the USA beating Pakistan is their best result across formats in history, but Monank said his team must keep the emotions in check and focus on the mega clash against the Men in Blue.

Although with two wins in as many games, the USA is leading the race to qualify for the Super Eight, they still have to beat India or Ireland to punch their ticket in their maiden attempt.

“I am happy with the win. Playing against Pakistan for the first time in the World Cup and beating them was an unbelievable performance. Our focus would be on playing against India now,” Patel said.

“But we don’t want to keep our emotions too high or low. We’ll make sure that we’ll enjoy it (the win) and make sure that next day we come fresh,” the USA captain added.

Lauding his side’s win over Pakistan, Monank continued saying, “Beating Pakistan in the World Cup is going to open many doors for us. The World Cup itself (hosting) is a big achievement, and then performing here as a team, helps us to grow the cricket in USA.

“I would say it’s a big day for Team USA and I would say not just for the USA, for the USA cricket community too,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the USA will take on India on June 12 in New York.

(With inputs from agencies)