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CHENNAI: The United States delivered a commanding all-round performance to crush the Netherlands by 93 runs in the 21st Match of Group A at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Saturday, riding on a fluent half-century from Saiteja Mukkamalla and a four-wicket burst from Harmeet Singh.
Playing under lights at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the Americans posted a formidable 196 for six before bowling out the Dutch for 103 in 15.5 overs to secure two crucial points in the group stage.
After Netherlands captain Scott Edwards won the toss and chose to field, the U.S. made a brisk start despite losing wicketkeeper-batter Shayan Jahangir early. Skipper Monank Patel struck 36 off 22 balls to set the tempo, sharing a 55-run stand with Mukkamalla that steadied the innings after early setbacks.
Mukkamalla anchored the effort with 79 off 51 deliveries, striking five fours and four sixes in a calculated knock that blended composure with aggression. He found support in Shubham Ranjane, who provided late acceleration with an unbeaten 48 from 24 balls at a strike rate of 200.
The Netherlands bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, though Bas de Leede was a bright spot with three wickets for 37 from his four overs. Kyle Klein and Fred Klaassen claimed one wicket apiece, but the Americans finished strongly to approach the 200-mark.
Chasing 197, the Netherlands never recovered from a stuttering start. Left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige removed Michael Levitt in the second over, and Harmeet Singh soon took control of the middle overs.
Harmeet dismantled the Dutch top and middle order, dismissing Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, captain Edwards and Roelof van der Merwe to finish with figures of four for 21 from his four overs. His disciplined lengths and subtle variations left the Netherlands reeling at 75 for six by the 10th over.
Shadley van Schalkwyk (3-21) and Mohammad Mohsin (2-19) tightened the screws further as wickets fell at regular intervals. The Dutch innings folded for 103, with only de Leede (23) and Edwards (20) offering brief resistance.
The result marked one of the United States’ most comprehensive performances in the tournament, boosting their net run rate significantly in a tightly contested Group A.
Harmeet Singh was named Player of the Match for his decisive spell, while Mukkamalla topped Cricinfo’s MVP metrics for his match-defining innings.
The United States next face a sterner test later in the group stage, while the Netherlands will look to regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Summarised score
USA 196/6 (20 overs)
Saiteja Mukkamalla 79 (51), Shubham Ranjane 48* (24)
Bas de Leede 3/37
Netherlands 103 all out (15.5 overs)
Bas de Leede 23, Scott Edwards 20
Harmeet Singh 4/21
USA won by 93 runs.
