NEWS
Follow UsUnited States of America (USA) progressed to the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup 2024 after a washed-out game against Ireland in Lauderhill on June 14 (Friday). Since they are one of the top eight sides from this World Cup, they have also secured an automatic qualification for the T20 World Cup in 2026, hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Vice-captain Aaron Jones believes they are massive achievements for the US. "It's a big thing for us, to be honest," Jones said at the post-match press conference.
"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 is really good for us and 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 is really good.
US have already played full-members like India and Pakistan in the tournament. In fact, they got the better of Pakistan in the Super Over while they pushed India close. Jones says his side is looking forward to playing other full-members in the Super Eights.
"Definitely looking forward to the challenge for sure," Jones, who is USA's leading run-getter in the tournament, said.
"Over the last couple of weeks, we've shown that, obviously, we could definitely compete and beat some of the full member nations. So definitely looking forward to playing against them for sure."
Being the co-hosts, the US did not travel to the West Indies for a single game. For Jones and many in the squad, playing in the Caribbean is not something new. "I don't think it's going to change much," Jones said when quizzed about the preparations for the Caribbean leg.
"We're going to go through our processes like normal, practice and stuff like normal. We played in the Caribbean in the regional Super 50 competition in Caribbean a few years. So, majority of the boys know how to play in the Caribbean and stuff already. So, it's just to stick together as a team and keep doing what we're doing."
The US, who qualified for the T20 World Cup 204 as one of the hosts, have lost just one of their four games in the tournament so far. They will get their Super Eight campaign underway against South Africa in Antigua on June 19 (Wednesday).
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