The United States, led by Saiteja Mukkamalla’s 79 and Harmeet Singh’s 4-21, dominated with bat and ball to thrash the Netherlands by 93 runs in the T20 World Cup on Friday.
The margin of victory boosted the USA’s net run rate in the group that contains powerhouses India and Pakistan.
It kept alive the USA’s slim hopes of repeating their feat of two years ago in reaching the Super Eights.
Asked to bat first in the Group A encounter in Chennai, the USA posted a formidable 196-6 and then bowled out the Netherlands for 103 in 15.5 overs.
Number three Mukkamalla faced 51 balls, hitting five fours and four sixes, while Shubham Ranjane provided the acceleration in the late overs with 48 off 24 balls, including two sixes.
“Saiteja gave us a fantastic start, and Shubham finished it off beautifully,” said player of the match Harmeet.
“They gave us a great total to work with, which allowed me to go out there, bowl with freedom, and really spin the ball.”
It was the USA’s first victory over the Netherlands in T20 internationals and gave them their first points in this year’s World Cup.
US seamer Shadley van Schalkwyk picked up 3-21 from 2.5 overs to take his tournament-leading tally to 11 wickets in three matches.
It was a sorry batting effort by the Dutch, whose top-scorer was Bas de Leede with 23.
All-rounder De Leede was also the best Netherlands bowler with 3-37 from his four overs.
The USA must now beat Namibia in their final Group A match on Sunday and hope other results go their way.
“Funny things happen,” said Harmeet.
“We keep trusting, we keep fighting. The first two games were close ones. We’ve shown the world we belong here.”
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