Saiteja Mukkamalla’s explosive half-century propelled the United States of America (USA) to an impressive total of 196 runs against the Netherlands in their must-win clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Friday.
Netherlands captain Scott Edwards’ decision to field first backfired as the United States accumulated a score of 196/6 in their 20 overs.
The United States had a difficult start to the innings as opener Shayan Jahangir (20) fell victim to Kyle Klein in the penultimate over of the third with just 27 runs on the board.
After the early stutter, captain Monank Patel was then joined by Mukkamalla in the middle for a 45-run anchor partnership for the second wicket, which culminated with the dismissal of the first in the ninth.
Patel was foiled by Bas’ slower delivery from Leede and returned having scored 36 from 22 deliveries with the help of three fours and a six.
USA 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 the Dutch 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.
After his departure, Ranjane took the reins of USA’s batting expedition and ensured a strong finish by adding valuable runs in the back order despite losing partners at the other end. He made an unbeaten total of 48 from 24 deliveries, laced with three fours and two sixes.
For the Netherlands, Logan van Beek, Klaassen and Klein could take a wicket each in addition to de Leede.
