T20 World Cup, USA vs NED: USA defeat Netherlands by 93 runs

The United States of America (USA) clung desperately to their fading hopes of a Super 8 berth with a stirring, historic win over the Netherlands. Languishing at the bottom of the table in Group A, with elimination staring them in the face, the odds were heavily stacked against the Americans, who had lost all their previous three T20Is against the Dutch.

But on Friday, February 13, when their campaign was on the line, Monank Patel’s men rose to the occasion, playing with fearless intent and beating the Netherlands by 93 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Saiteja Mukkamalla and Harmeet Singh led the charge on a night when the USA played with belief and looked completely in a league of their own.

Had the USA lost, they would have been the first team to be knocked out of the competition, making the victory all the more significant. The Netherlands, in the meantime, face a ginormous task going into their last group game against Suryakumar Yadav’s India, which is a do-or-die clash for them on February 18 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in



Ahmedabad.

After being asked to bat first, the United States posted their highest T20I total against the Netherlands, piling up an imposing 196 for six and surpassing their previous best of 138 in Bulawayo in 2022. Although Shayan Jahangir managed only 20 runs, he provided early momentum at the top of the order.

Skipper Monank Patel, who had fallen for single-digit scores against India and Pakistan, bounced back in style with a brisk 36 off 22 balls. Monank also stitched together a crucial 75-run partnership for the second wicket with Saiteja Mukkamalla.

After Bas de Leede dismissed Monank, Mukkamalla took control, bringing up his half-century in just 30 balls. The 21-year-old went on to score a superb 79 off 51 deliveries, smashing five fours and four sixes before de Leede claimed his wicket.

De Leede was the standout bowler for the Dutch, returning figures of 4-0-37-3. Following Mukkamalla’s dismissal, Shubman Ranjane accelerated brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 48 off 24 to power the USA close to the 200-run mark.