In a high-octane clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the United States delivered a commanding performance, defeating Namibia by 31 runs in their Group A encounter of the T20 World Cup 2026. This victory marks the USA’s second win in the group stage, propelling them forward with momentum.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, USA captain Monank Patel set the tone with a blistering 52 off 30 balls, featuring aggressive stroke play. Sanjay Krishnamurti stole the show, smashing 68 runs off 33 deliveries, while Milind Kumar contributed a quickfire 28 off 20 balls. The innings closed at a formidable 199 for 4 in 20 overs, putting immense pressure on Namibia’s bowlers.
Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus and Wiese Mhayburg responded with two wickets apiece, but it wasn’t enough to stem the flow of runs. Chasing 200, Namibia started strongly with openers Laren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck forging a 54-run stand in just 5.2 overs. Frylinck fell for 19 off 15, but Steenkamp and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton added 45 more for the second wicket.
Loftie-Eaton departed at 99 for 2, scoring 28 off 17. Steenkamp anchored the innings with 58 off 39 balls, including five fours and three sixes, before his dismissal triggered a collapse. Captain Erasmus followed soon after, leaving Namibia reeling.
JJ Smit offered some resistance with 31 off 23, but the required rate proved too steep. Namibia finished at 168 for 6, handing USA a convincing 31-run win. Shadley van Schalkwyk claimed two wickets, with Ali Khan, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Shubham Ranjane picking one each.
Sanjay Krishnamurti’s all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award, underscoring USA’s growing prowess on the global stage.