USA cricket team’s T20 World Cup campaign didn’t quite end with the same bang that it started with. The co-hosts
lost by 10 wickets against England
and bowed out of the competition. But for the minnows, more time will allow the team to reflect on what was achieved, rather than what wasn’t.

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The biggest impact came when the
United States beat Pakistan for a shock result
that played a key role in
Babar Azam’s team failing to progress
. Instead, it was
USA who went through from the group stage
and into the Super Eight.

Such have been the performances that will catapult a new wave of inspired talent that will cement USA’s standing, particularly in the shortest format.

Corey Anderson was tasked with reflecting on USA’s T20 World Cup campaign, facing the media after his side’s third successive Super Eight defeat.

“Making it through to the Super Eights was obviously a historic occasion for the USA,” Anderson said after the England loss in Barbados.

“Look, (our players are) disappointed. They’re hurt. I’m hurt. Your pride’s always on the line when you’re playing these games and you never want to lose badly or have performances like that. But again, it’s looking at the bigger picture of it too … we’re beginning to be disappointed about how we play against these big teams and knowing that we can do better. That’s a great sign because it means we can give more.”

Anderson acknowledged that the next step will be difficult – nobody will be taking this USA team lightly from now and opposition will do all the necessary homework on their players.

“The more we’ve played as well, the more footage they have on us,” he continued. “As soon as you get seen and you do a couple of things, everyone starts circling and wondering what’s going on, how do we get them out, where are the weaknesses, where are the strengths. I think the guys have probably found wanting a little bit in that regard. But again, it’s a great learning.”

Afghanistan’s surge is something that can inspire the United States, as they look to continue their rise. Much further along in their trajectory, Afghanistan produced a history-making win over Australia, doing exactly the thing Anderson is referring to.

“We don’t get to play against these big teams often or at all,” said Anderson.

“We are still an Associate nation, growing, trying to get a bigger player pool. Any time that we can play against these guys is hugely valuable. We’ve got extremely good talent in the US, and this was a massive stepping stone in showing that.

“I think the boys can hold their heads high and be proud of what they’ve done. Because again, I think we’ve probably turned the world’s attention to the US for them to say we’re here to play.

“I’m extremely proud of what this team has done this World Cup. The future of USA Cricket looks good. The sky’s the limit really.”