Kyle Klein returns as Netherlands bowl; USA ring in three changes for must-win clash
Chennai: Netherlands' Roelof van der Merwe plays a shot during an ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between Netherlands and USA, at MA Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. - PTI
Chennai: Saiteja Mukkamalla could barely hide his excitement when USA were slated to play a couple of ICC T20 World Cup matches in Chennai. The 21-year-old, who represents Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket, used his franchise connections to train at the CSK Academy here before linking up with the USA squad for the marquee event.
The preparation paid rich dividends on Friday as Saiteja crafted an unbeaten 79 off just 51 balls — a sublime innings that formed the bedrock of USA’s commanding 93-run victory over the Netherlands. More importantly, the win, secured with 24 balls to spare, boosted their net run rate and kept USA alive in their campaign. They now head into their final Group A game against Namibia at the same venue on Sunday.
Saiteja found able allies in Shubham Ranjane, who provided a late flourish with a blistering 48 not out off 24 balls, and skipper Monank Patel, whose brisk 36 off 22 ensured USA reached an imposing 196 for six.
Saiteja found able allies in Shubham Ranjane, who provided a late flourish with a blistering 48 not out off 24 balls, and skipper Monank Patel, whose brisk 36 off 22 ensured USA reached an imposing 196 for six.
The chase quickly spiralled into a daunting task for the Dutch. Early wickets dented their hopes as the required rate climbed steadily. Left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh was the most effective, claiming four wickets. After stumbling to three down inside the powerplay, the Netherlands slumped to 75 for six by the halfway stage.
Earlier, USA had begun in effervescent fashion. Shayan Jahangir set the tone with his penchant for attacking short-pitched bowling, dispatching two pulls for six — one over midwicket and another behind square — before falling. Undeterred by the early loss, captain Monank kept the scoring rate ticking, peppering the boundary as USA raced to 53 for one at the end of the powerplay. Pacer Bas de Leede provided the breakthrough the Dutch desperately needed, snapping a promising 55-run partnership between Monank and Saiteja. His clever knuckle-ball bouncer deceived Monank, who mistimed an attempted ramp.
Earlier, USA had begun in effervescent fashion. Shayan Jahangir set the tone with his penchant for attacking short-pitched bowling, dispatching two pulls for six — one over midwicket and another behind square — before falling. Undeterred by the early loss, captain Monank kept the scoring rate ticking, peppering the boundary as USA raced to 53 for one at the end of the powerplay. Pacer Bas de Leede provided the breakthrough the Dutch desperately needed, snapping a promising 55-run partnership between Monank and Saiteja. His clever knuckle-ball bouncer deceived Monank, who mistimed an attempted ramp.
At the halfway mark, USA were well placed at 96 for two. Saiteja then took centre stage. He reached his half-century in style, bringing up the milestone in just 30 balls with a crisp lofted drive over the covers. Saiteja's innings was a blend of elegance and authority.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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