NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump extended his wishes to the American cricket team in the ongoing T20 World Cup being held in India, saying the nation was firmly behind the players.

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

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor responded to the message, saying, “Thank you for the kind words Mr. President!”

India, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, registered a 29-run victory over the USA in the opening match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

Cricket is not a traditional sport in the United States, and the current national side largely comprises players of Indian origin. The team is captained by Monank Patel.

The USA had co-hosted the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with several matches staged at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Eisenhower Park, New York.

The highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan was also held at the New York venue.

(With PTI Inputs)