The win was the USA's first win of the tournament after valiant defeats to India and Pakistan - and their first-ever T20I triumph over the Dutch.
Batting first, the USA posted 196/6, setting a challenging target. The innings began explosively as openers Shayan Jahangir (20) and captain Monank Patel (36) put the Netherlands under pressure in the powerplay, racing to 53/1 in six overs. Jahangir hit two sixes in the opening over before being dismissed, while Patel maintained momentum with crisp drives and aggressive running between the wickets.
No. 3 Saiteja Mukkamalla then took charge, dominating the middle overs. In 51 balls, he struck five fours and four sixes, including a 30-ball fifty highlighted by a huge six over cover. His ability to punish both pace and spin kept the scoreboard ticking and prevented the Dutch from regaining control.
Sanjay Krishnamurthi briefly supported Mukkamalla, but it was the late-overs assault by Shubham Ranjane that lifted the total to 196. Ranjane struck three fours and two sixes in a rapid 24-ball 48, ensuring a competitive finish and giving the Netherlands a daunting total to chase.
The Dutch reply never gained traction. Nosthush Kenjige struck early, removing Michael Levitt in the second over, and Harmeet Singh immediately followed up with wickets in the powerplay, dismissing Max O'Dowd and Bas de Leede. At the end of six overs, the Netherlands were already 51/3.
Bas de Leede tried to stabilize the innings with a few boundary hits but lacked support from the other end. The middle order collapsed under continued pressure from Singh, van Schalkwyk (3/21), and Mohammad Mohsin (2 wickets), leaving the Dutch 75/6 after ten overs. They were eventually bowled out for 103 in 15.5 overs, with de Leede top-scoring with 23 and taking 3/37 with the ball.
The victory boosted the USA's net run rate in Group A, which features India and Pakistan, and kept alive their hopes of reaching the Super Eight stage. The combination of aggressive top-order batting, a dominant middle-order performance, and disciplined spin bowling proved too much for the Netherlands.
The USA now face Namibia in their final group match and will aim to secure a win and favourable results elsewhere to advance further in the tournament.
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