Saiteja Mukkamalla’s explosive half-century powered the USA of America (USA) to a commanding complete of 196 runs in opposition to the Netherlands of their must-win ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026 conflict at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Friday.
Netherlands captain Scott Edwards’s choice to area first backfired because the USA piled up 196/6 of their 20 overs.
USA obtained off to a shaky begin to their innings as opener Shayan Jahangir (20) fell sufferer to Kyle Klein on the penultimate supply of the third over with simply 27 runs on the board.
Following the early stutter, captain Monank Patel was then joined by Mukkamalla within the center for an anchoring 45-run partnership for the second wicket, which culminated with the previous’s dismissal within the ninth over.
Patel was outfoxed by Bas de Leede’s slower supply and walked again after scoring 36 off 22 deliveries with the assistance of three fours and a six.
USA then suffered one other setback as Fred Klaassen dismissed Sanjay Krishnamurthi (one) 11 balls later and thus have been diminished to 105/3 in 11 overs.
Mukkamalla then shared an important 54-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Shubham Ranjane till finally falling sufferer to de Leede, who spearheaded the Netherlands’ bowling cost with sensational figures of three/37 in his 4 overs.
Saiteja Mukkamalla remained the top-scorer for USA with a 51-ball 79, studded with 5 fours and 4 sixes.
Following his departure, Ranjane took the reins of the USA’s batting expedition and ensured a robust end by including beneficial runs on the backend regardless of shedding companions on the different finish. He made an unbeaten 48 off 24 deliveries, laced with three fours and two sixes.
For the Netherlands, Logan van Beek, Klaassen and Klein might choose up one wicket apiece in addition to de Leede.
