In a stunning display at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the USA cricket team etched its name in history by demolishing the Netherlands by a massive 93 runs. This victory marks the largest margin of win by an associate nation in T20 World Cup history, surpassing all previous benchmarks.
Batting first, the USA posted a formidable 196 for 6 in their 20 overs. Captain Monank Patel set the tone with a brisk 36 off 22 balls, while Saitaja Mukkamalla stole the show, smashing 79 runs off 51 deliveries, including 5 fours and 4 sixes. Shubham Ranjane remained unbeaten on 48 off 24 balls, providing the late flourish that pushed the total beyond reach.
The Netherlands chase crumbled spectacularly, folding for just 103 in 15.5 overs. Bas de Leede top-scored with 23, and captain Scott Edwards added 20, but it was no match for the USA bowlers. Harmeet Singh claimed 4 wickets, and Shadley van Schalkwyk picked up 3, sealing a comprehensive rout.
This triumph is even more remarkable as it’s the USA’s first-ever win against the Netherlands in international cricket, ending a streak of 6 losses across formats. Previously, Nepal held the associate record with an 80-run win over Hong Kong in 2024, followed by Scotland’s 73-run victory against Italy in 2016.
USA’s openers Monank Patel and Shayn Jahangir laid a solid 27-run foundation in 2.5 overs before Jahangir fell for 20. Patel then partnered with Mukkamalla for 55 runs off 37 balls for the second wicket. De Leede took 3 wickets for the Dutch, but it wasn’t enough.
This historic win signals the rising prowess of associate nations on the global stage, proving they can compete with full members. Fans are buzzing about USA’s potential in the tournament ahead.