The co-hosts USA shocked former champions Pakistan in a Super Over on Thursday, but now face another formidable opponent in India on June 12.
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“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 at the press conference after the match.
“But we don’t want to keep our emotion too high or low. We’ll make sure that we’ll enjoy it (the win) and make sure that next day we come fresh,” he added.
Patel played a vital knock of 50 runs and stated that the victory against the Asian giants will have significant and far-reaching implications for USA cricket as a whole.
“Beating Pakistan in 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, it 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 USA, for the USA cricket community too,” said Patel.
However, despite leading Group A with four points following victories over Canada and Pakistan, they are not yet thinking about ‘Super 8’ qualification.
“We are not worried about what people are saying (that their wins are fluke). We know what we have worked and what capability we have. We don’t even want to think about the Ireland (match) right now. So, Super 8 is far ahead. We just focus on the particular game,” he explained.
At present, Patel mentioned that the team members are basking in a celebratory mood following their unexpected triumph.
“Obviously, everyone is happy, enjoying with their teammates and their family and friends,” he added.
(With PTI inputs)