In a stunning display of batting prowess at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, 21-year-old American sensation Saitaja Mukkamalla etched his name into cricket history. On Friday, during the 21st match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against Netherlands, Saitaja smashed a brilliant 79 off 51 balls, propelling USA to a formidable 196 for 6 after losing the toss.
This knock marked his seventh half-century in just 20 T20I innings, tying him with USA captain Monank Patel for the most fifties in the shortest format for his country. Patel achieved the feat in 39 innings, while Andries Gous sits with six in 26 outings and Steven Taylor with five in 29.
USA’s innings kicked off steadily with an opening stand of 27 runs in 2.5 overs between Monank Patel and Shayan Jahangir. Jahangir fell for 20 off 14, but Monank steadied the ship, partnering with Saitaja for 55 runs off 37 balls for the second wicket. The skipper departed for 36 off 22, laced with three fours and a six.
Saitaja then anchored the middle order, adding 54 runs for the fourth wicket with Shubham Ranjane, who remained unbeaten on 48 off 24. Saitaja’s innings featured five boundaries and four towering sixes before he was dismissed.
Netherlands’ Bas de Leede starred with 3-37, supported by single wickets from Logan van Beek, Kyle Klein, and Fred Klaassen. For USA, coming off losses to India by 29 runs and Pakistan by 32 runs in Group A, this performance signals a potential turnaround in the tournament.