Have USA just produced the greatest underdog story in cricket history?

Confirmed fixtures, dates and venues for the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup

The tournament co-hosts stunned the world when they beat Pakistan in New York last week, overcoming a nation who were finalists in the last edition of the men’s T20 World Cup and who have reached at least the semi-finals in six of the eight tournaments in the format’s history.

Pakistan are ranked seventh in the world and are one of two full member nations to miss out on qualification in Group A, with Ireland – who are ranked 11^th – also finishing below USA.

And finishing ahead of teams of that calibre is an extraordinary achievement for a team who have never previously qualified for a Men's World Cup.

How 'calm' USA came up clutch to shock Pakistan

“It's something that we've all been thinking about after beating Pakistan,” batter Steven Taylor said ahead of Friday’s washout against Ireland.

“It’ll be a dream come true to go to the next round, especially the Super Eight would be the first time it's happened as well.

“The camaraderie that we have at the camp is beautiful. Everyone is happy for each other and the team is doing great.

"With all the fans that are watching us and rooting for us too, it's just a great feeling to have.”

Shock win sparks mass media coverage in US and around the globe

The impact that this tournament display could have on the sport in the United States is also not lost on the squad, who know that success breeds popularity.

“It’s similar to soccer – like when it just came to America it takes time to grow,” Taylor said.

“Over the years, America started growing to like soccer and things like that. So, I think the more USA, the national team does good, the more it will be out there as well, and the more people can see and like the game as well.

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“Growing up as a kid, I always knew about the USA national team. I had a couple of uncles that actually played for USA. So, when they played in the ICC trophy in about 2003, I think it was, I was always tuning into the games. I would say I wanted to play for USA and play cricket.

"Most of the games shown live on TV are the West Indies games or India, Pakistan, they're bigger cricket nations. But the more I got older the more I wanted to be a professional cricketer for USA.”

USA's prize for qualifying from Group A is a spot in the Super Eight stage, where they will face in-form South Africa, two-time champions and fellow hosts West Indies, and either Group B underdogs Scotland or defending champions England.

T20 World Cup State of Play: Super Eight taking shape as qualification race heats up

Whatever happens from here, USA have already won; far exceeding any reasonable expectations for the team at the tournament.

But they will have three more shots at making history, and their displays against Pakistan and in the narrow loss to India earlier this week should serve as warnings to their Super Eight opponents – take this American side lightly at your peril.