US cricket player comments to CNN about Pakistan's surprisingly outmatched game: 'We think we can defeat these major competitors'
"We think we can give those powerful teams a run for their money if we manage to catch them off guard or when they're taking things too easy," Anderson commented. "I don't believe Pakistan was treating the match lightly. I just think we got off to a great start. We made them feel the heat."
The 33-year-old has been inundated with "far more messages than usual" following the match's fantastic outcome. He, too, echoed how the win has stunned the cricketing world. "It's definitely created a buzz. This country might not be well-known for cricket, but now it's creating a stir with all the media coverage," Anderson shared.
A native New Zealander and former Kiwi World Cup team member, Anderson revealed that his wife and sons are American, and he's been residing in the country for a few years. He's incredibly proud of his association with the American team. "It's a grand feeling. Playing for another country wasn't on my mind, but I've embraced the American culture. The national anthem stirs me, and I've never felt this way about another nation. I'm honored to wear the USA jersey, and I know my teammates share this sentiment."
Anderson hopes this World Cup and upcoming Olympics will be further stepping stones to promote cricket in the country. "This can only be a good thing. We're on the right track. Keep pushing forward and carve that pathway. Our goal is to make the USA an unbeatable force in cricket," he concluded.
Upcoming games for the United States team are against India and Ireland in Group A.
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Anderson believes that with the right opportunities, the US team can also challenge stronger opponents, saying, "Given the right circumstances, we can pose a threat to even the strongest teams." After the team's surprising win, Anderson noted, "I don't think Pakistan underestimated the match, we simply took advantage of our initial advantage and put them under pressure."
