‘Zero Tariff and You’d Have Won’: Piyush Goyal’s Joke With US Ambassador After India Beat USA in T20 World Cup

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal struck a playful diplomatic tone while reflecting on the United States' performance against India in the T20 World Cup, blending cricket praise with a light remark on trade policy.

Speaking at a reception hosted by US Ambassador Sergio Gor, Goyal said the American side impressed many despite ending up on the losing side.

The minister, who attended the India vs USA encounter, emphasised that the US team's rapid progress in a sport relatively new to the country made their performance particularly noteworthy.

Goyal's light-hearted tariff remark draws laughs

Recalling his exchange with Ambassador Gor, Goyal shared how a casual observation about tariffs found its way into cricket talk.

"The US may not have won the match (against India in the T20 World Cup), but I must say, for a country which has not known Cricket and has started on Cricket a few years ago, the performance was fabulous. Sergio was there to enjoy the match. Sergio pointed out one very important factor - the US lost the match by 18%, and a very humble request I made to him as a suggestion that if only you had made the reciprocal tariff zero, you would possibly have won the match. I was indeed amazed by the fabulous performance the US cricket team did," Piyush Goyal said.

Suryakumar leads India to strong total

India secured their first win of the tournament after posting 161 for 9 in 20 overs. Asked to bat first, the Men in Blue relied on a commanding innings from skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who remained unbeaten on 84 off 49 deliveries, finding the boundary 10 times and clearing it on four occasions.

Ishan Kishan contributed a quick 20 off 16 balls, including a four and two sixes, while Tilak Varma added momentum with a 25-run knock from just 16 deliveries, striking three fours and a six.

American bowlers put up a fight

The USA attack ensured India did not run away with an even bigger total. Shadley van Schalkwyk emerged as the standout performer with four wickets for 29 runs, and Harmeet Singh supported well with figures of 2 for 26.

Their disciplined effort helped keep the target within reach and set up a potentially competitive chase.

India's bowling unit shuts the door

Chasing 162, the USA were restricted to 132 for 8, handing India a comfortable 29-run victory. Milind Kumar scored 34 off 34 balls with four boundaries, while Sanjay Krishnamurthi made 37 off 31 balls, hitting two sixes and a four. Shubham Ranjane added late resistance with a brisk 37 from 22 deliveries that included two fours and three sixes.

India's bowlers maintained control throughout the innings. Mohammed Siraj led the charge with three wickets for 29 runs, while Axar Patel picked up two for 24 and Arshdeep Singh returned figures of 2 for 18 to seal the result.