Saiteja Mukkamalla’s explosive half-century propelled the United States of America (USA) to a total of 196 runs against Netherlands in their must-win ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Friday.
Dutch captain Scott Edwards’ decision to bowl first backfired as the United States piled up 196/6 in their 20 overs.
The United States got off to a shaky start to their innings as opener Shayan Jahangir (20) fell victim to Kyle Klein in the penultimate delivery of the third over with just 27 runs on the board.
After the initial stutter, Mukkamalla joined captain Monank Patel in the middle for an anchoring partnership of 45 runs for the second wicket, which culminated in the dismissal of the first in the ninth over.
Patel was outplayed by Bas de Leede’s slower delivery and returned after scoring 36 off 22 deliveries with the help of three fours and a six.
The United States then suffered another setback when Fred Klaassen dismissed Sanjay Krishnamurthi (one) 11 balls later and were thus reduced to 105/3 in 11 overs.
Mukkamalla then shared a crucial 54-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Shubham Ranjane until he finally fell victim to De Leede, who led Holland’s bowling charge with sensational figures of 3/37 in his four overs.
Saiteja Mukkamalla remained the top scorer for the United States with a 51-ball 79, studded with five fours and four sixes.
Following his departure, Ranjane took charge of the US batting expedition and ensured a strong finish by adding valuable runs at the back end despite losing teammates at the other end. He made an unbeaten 48 off 24 deliveries, with three fours and two sixes.
For Holland, Logan van Beek, Klaassen and Klein could get a wicket each in addition to De Leede.
