Viral
The T20 World Cup match between India and the USA became a global sensation, not just for the cricketing action but also for the humorous memes it spawned.
Updated : Jun 13, 2024, 10:38 AM IST
The much-anticipated T20 World Cup match between India and the USA not only brought cricketing excitement but also sparked a meme war on the internet. Held at New York City's Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, the match was billed as "India vs. mini India," given the composition of the US team, which includes a significant number of players of Indian origin.
High Hopes Dashed for Team USA
Wednesday's match began with high hopes for the American side, fresh from a victory over Pakistan. However, their dreams of another upset were quashed by India, the unbeaten team in Group A so far. The match saw early setbacks for the US team but ended predictably with India securing a spot in the top 8, which strategically benefits Pakistan in the tournament standings.
A Memorable Off-Field Battle
#INDvsUSA
— (@RomanaRaza) June 12, 2024
Team USA: pic.twitter.com/gKw60DYDS0
Off the field, the clash between the two teams turned into a lighthearted meme fest. Spectators and fans alike indulged in a playful exchange of memes, focusing humorously on the composition of the US team. Led by Indian-born Monank Patel and boasting several players of Indian and Pakistani descent, the team composition itself became a subject of online banter.
Green Cards vs. Aadhar Cards: The Meme War
Bharat Mata Ki Jai
— Shayan (@ShayanKrsna) June 12, 2024
America Mata Ki Ja
I am supporting both in today’s cricket match #INDvsUSA pic.twitter.com/VjFyBAotS4
#INDvsUSA pic.twitter.com/khhitm40kA
— rae (@ChillamChilli) June 12, 2024
Memes riffed on immigration themes, with references to Green Cards and H-1B visas, topics often debated between Indian and American communities. One meme humorously remarked on the diverse origins of the US team, joking that it represented "Akhand Bharat," referencing a unified India. Another highlighted the newfound awareness of cricket in the US, quipping, "Americans came to know that they have a Cricket team after the Indians-driven team beat Pakistan. All thanks to H1B XD."
Kohli and Sharma's 'Bhaichara' Becomes Fodder
Bhaichara on Top#INDvsUSA pic.twitter.com/xuNy0PjOJg
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) June 12, 2024
Despite India's victory, the match's margin fell short of expectations, given the relative inexperience of the US team. Star players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's performance drew attention not just for their cricketing skills but also for their on-field interactions, which quickly turned into meme material. Fans humorously commented on their 'bhaichara' (brotherhood), joking about their inability to score big in the match.