Trump Cheers Team USA In T20 World Cup, Says, 'America Is Rooting For You'

Mumbai—Former U.S. President Donald Trump added a dash of political star power to the T20 World Cup on Friday, taking to Truth Social to rally behind the United States squad currently contesting its second appearance in the global tournament.

“I just heard the Cricket World Cup is underway in India!” Trump wrote. “I wish the best of luck to TEAM USA! We have a very strong team. America is rooting for you!”

The message landed barely 24 hours after Monank Patel’s side opened its campaign against defending champions India at a raucous Wankhede Stadium. Batting first, India posted 161 for nine, paced by captain Suryakumar Yadav’s blistering unbeaten 84 off 49 balls. Ishan Kishan chipped in with 20 off 16 and Tilak Varma added 25 off 16 as the hosts set a testing target under lights.

USA’s new-ball pair of Shadley van Schalkwyk and Harmeet Singh kept the scoring in check, sharing six wickets. Van Schalkwyk finished with four for 29, while Harmeet claimed two for 26.

In reply, the Americans reached 132 for eight, falling 29 runs short. Left-handed opener Sanjay Krishnamurthi top-scored with 37 off 31 deliveries, clearing the rope twice, but India’s troika of Mohammed Siraj (3-29), Axar Patel (2-24) and Arshdeep Singh (2-18) tightened the screws at the death.

“We fought hard but came up short against a very strong Indian side,” Patel said in the post-match flash interview. “There were positives—our death bowling was sharp and Sanjay showed what he can do at the top.”

Attention now shifts to Colombo, where Team USA will meet Pakistan on February 10. The fixture carries added spice: the Americans stunned the 2022 champions during the 2024 edition and will look to replicate that upset to keep semi-final hopes alive.

“We are confident going into the next game and looking to bounce back against Pakistan,” Patel added.

The touring party features a blend of Major League Cricket veterans and emerging domestic talent: Monank Patel (captain), Jessy Singh, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin and Shubham Ranjane.

With Trump’s public endorsement amplifying interest back home, the squad will hope to convert well-wishes into wickets—and points—when play resumes in Sri Lanka.