CHENNAI: The United States of America produced a strong batting display to post 196/6 against the Netherlands in the 21st match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.
Saiteja Mukkamalla’s blistering half-century propelled the USA to a commanding total against the Netherlands in a must-win ICC game.
The USA got off to a shaky start when opener Shayan Jahangir was dismissed for 20 by Kyle Klein on the penultimate delivery of the third over, with the team score at just 27.
Captain Monank Patel then joined Mukkamalla at the crease, and the pair stitched together a crucial 45-run second-wicket partnership before Patel fell in the ninth over. He was outfoxed by Bas de Leede’s slower delivery, scoring 36 off 22 balls, including three fours and a six.
The USA lost another wicket 11 balls later when Fred Klaassen trapped Sanjay Krishnamurthi for just one, leaving the team at 105/3 in 11 overs.
Mukkamalla anchored the innings brilliantly, sharing a 54-run fourth-wicket partnership with Shubham Ranjane before succumbing to de Leede, who finished with impressive figures of 3/37 in four overs.
Mukkamalla remained the top scorer for the USA, smashing 79 off 51 balls with five fours and four sixes. Following his departure, Ranjane took charge of the innings, ensuring a strong finish by remaining unbeaten on 48 off 24 balls, including three fours and two sixes.
For the Netherlands, Bas de Leede, Logan van Beek, Fred Klaassen, and Kyle Klein shared the wickets, with de Leede spearheading the bowling attack.
The Netherlands won the toss and elected to bowl first against the United States. Captain Scott Edwards made the decision as the Dutch looked to gain an early advantage in the group-stage contest, while USA skipper Monank Patel led his side in setting a target.
Squads
Netherlands: Scott Edwards (c), Colin Ackermann, Noah Croes, Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O’Dowd, Logan van Beek, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren and Saqib Zulfiqar.
USA: Monank Patel (c), Jessy Singh, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubham Ranjane and Ehsan Adil.
Head-to-head record
The Netherlands have enjoyed complete dominance over the USA in T20 internationals, winning all three previous meetings between the sides.
Matches played: 3
Netherlands won: 3
USA won: 0
Both teams come into the match struggling for consistency. The USA have recorded two wins in their last five T20 matches, while the Netherlands have managed only one victory during the same period.
Netherlands: W, L, NR, L, L
USA: L, L, W, W, L
