WASHINGTON - The United States has commended Pakistan and India for their "cricket diplomacy" and says dialogue between the neighboring nuclear rivals is encouraging for the world.

The Indian and Pakistani prime ministers watched together as their national teams contested a World Cup semifinal on Wednesday in the Indian city of Mohali, inspiring hope a peace process derailed by the 2008 Mumbai attacks could be restarted. Even as India won the match, fans in the stands cheered heartily for both teams.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Thursday the match "showcased world-class cricket, sportsmanship, and statesmanship."

He said the expansion of dialogue "is a welcome and encouraging development for both countries, for the region, and for the world."