CHENNAI: The United States of America posted a commanding total of 199 in Group A encounter against Namibia at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup here on Sunday.
The total, built around Captain Monank Patel’s aggressive half-century and a breathtaking late onslaught from young Sanjay Krishnamurthi.
On a pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium that offered something for both batters and bowlers, the American innings was a story of two halves, a solid foundation laid by the top order followed by a devastating finish that yielded 63 runs in the final five overs.
Monank leads from the front
USA captain Monank Patel continued his excellent form in the tournament, anchoring the innings with a fluent 52 off just 30 deliveries. The wicketkeeper-batter looked in complete control from the outset, finding the boundary with ease and rotating the strike intelligently. His innings contained three fours and three sixes, setting the platform for the late fireworks to come.
Monank found early support from opening partner Shayan Jahangir, who contributed a brisk 22 off 18 balls. The pair added 68 runs for the first wicket in just 6.5 overs, giving the USA the flying start they desired on a ground where setting a competitive total was paramount.
The breakthrough for Namibia came through the experienced Willem Myburgh, who trapped Jahangir in front before having Monank caught behind in the same over. Myburgh’s double strike in the 10th over, removing both openers, momentarily halted American momentum and brought the required run rate back into check.
Middle order consolidates
Saiteja Mukkamalla (17 off 18) looked to rebuild alongside the incoming Sanjay Krishnamurthi but fell to Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus, caught by Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton attempting to force the pace. At 103 for 3 in the 11th over, the USA needed a partnership to propel them towards a formidable total.
That partnership came through Krishnamurthi and the experienced Milind Kumar. The duo carefully navigated the middle overs, respecting the accurate bowling of Bernard Scholtz and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton while waiting for opportunities to accelerate. Their running between the wickets was sharp, and they gradually rebuilt the innings without taking unnecessary risks.
Krishnamurthi’s late assault
The final five overs belonged entirely to the United States. Sanjay Krishnamurthi, the 20-year-old sensation, unleashed an array of breathtaking strokes that left the Namibian attack shell-shocked. Having taken time to settle, Krishnamurthi exploded in spectacular fashion, smashing 68 runs from just 33 deliveries in an innings that announced his arrival on the global stage.
The left-hander’s knock was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring four towering sixes and six beautifully timed boundaries. He showed particular disdain for the medium pace of JJ Smit and the left-arm spin of Bernard Scholtz, clearing the boundary at will during the death overs.
Krishnamurthi found an able partner in Milind Kumar, who played the ideal supporting role with a brisk 28 off 20 balls before falling to Erasmus in the penultimate over. The pair added 87 runs for the fourth wicket in just 7.4 overs, completely shifting the momentum back in USA’s favour.
Shubham Ranjane provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 5 off just 2 deliveries, ensuring the USA crossed the 195-mark that has historically been challenging to chase at Chepauk.
Namibia’s bowling effort
For Namibia, the bowling figures told a mixed story. Willem Myburgh was the pick of the bowlers, returning impressive figures of 2 for 22 from his four overs, including the crucial wickets of both openers. Captain Gerhard Erasmus also chipped in with two wickets, though his three overs cost 27 runs.
The experienced Ruben Trumpelmann had an expensive outing, conceding 52 runs from his four overs, while JJ Smit also went for 43 from his three overs as the American batters targeted the medium pace in the death overs. Bernard Scholtz bowled economically (4-0-35-0) but couldn’t break through, and the decision to bowl Max Heingo for just one over raised questions about Namibia’s bowling changes.
The total of 199 represents the USA’s highest score in T20 World Cup history and sets Namibia a challenging target. For the American team, the platform has been laid, the bowlers now have the responsibility of defending what could prove a match-winning total.
