USA Spin Kings Demolish Netherlands by 93 Runs in Chennai Thriller

In a dominant performance at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, the United States of America (USA) crushed the Netherlands by 93 runs in a lopsided T20 World Cup 2026 encounter on Friday, February 13. Powered by a mature batting display and a devastating spin assault, the USA recorded their first-ever T20I victory over the Dutch, ending a winless streak in four previous meetings and reigniting their Super 8 qualification hopes.

Mukkamalla Anchors 196/6 in Power-Heavy Inning

Winning the toss and opting to bat, USA laid a rock-solid platform early on. Shayan Jahangir blazed away with successive sixes off Aryan Dutt and Logan van Beek in the opening overs, setting a frenetic tone. Despite his early dismissal in the third over for 18, Monank Patel (29) and Saiteja Mukkamalla ensured momentum was never lost. The duo guided the team to 53/1 at the end of the PowerPlay, showcasing disciplined aggression.

Mukkamalla emerged as the linchpin of the innings, playing a composed yet explosive knock of 79 off just 54 balls, laced with seven boundaries and three sixes. His 30-ball fifty, sealed with a towering six in the 12th over, shifted the game firmly in USA’s favor. A crucial 50-run partnership with Shubham Ranjane (48* off 27 balls) followed, accelerating the scoring in the middle overs.

Though Mukkamalla fell in the 17th over, Ranjane unleashed a late blitz, smashing three fours and two sixes in the final overs to propel USA to a formidable total of 196/6. Skipper Monank Patel later revealed the team's realization that the pitch was good for 170-plus, and their intent was to maximize every scoring opportunity.

Spin Trio Wrecks Dutch Chase

In response, Netherlands’ chase collapsed almost immediately. Nosthush Kenjige, returning to the side, struck in the second over, trapping Michael Levitt leg before with a skidding delivery that stayed low—a theme that would define the innings. Despite a brief 32-run stand between Max O'Dowd (18) and Bas de Leede (23), the Dutch batting order failed to regain control.

De Leede’s dismissal in the seventh over triggered a freefall, as USA’s spinners took center stage. Harmeet Singh, sensing the pitch's grip, executed a near-perfect plan with flight, variation in pace, and sharp turn. His 4 for 21 from four overs decimated the middle order. Mohammad Mohsin (2/23) and Shadley van Schalkwyk (3/21) complemented him superbly, consistently landing the ball on a good length and exploiting the surface’s low bounce.

The Dutch could only manage 75/6 at the end of 10 overs, and their resistance faded quickly thereafter. From 41/1, they slumped to 103 all out in just 15.5 overs, with van Schalkwyk removing Fred Klaassen to signal the end. The USA spinners collectively bowled 10 overs for 60 runs, claiming 7 wickets—compared to Netherlands' spinners who went wicketless for 60 in 5 overs during the first innings.

Captains Reflect on Dominant Display

USA skipper Monank Patel praised his team's intent after early setbacks in the tournament: "We missed showing our intent in the first two games, but today we executed brilliantly. Sai [Mukkamalla] was incredible—he batted like a seasoned pro. Harmeet read the pitch perfectly; as soon as he saw the grip, he varied his pace smartly. We knew 196 was a solid total if we bowled well."

Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards acknowledged his team’s shortcomings: "Credit to USA—they played better. The pitch was good, but our batters never got going. Once the required rate climbed past 11 or 12, it became impossible. Our bowling wasn't consistent with lines and lengths. We’ll regroup and come back stronger."

Player of the Match and Road Ahead

Harmeet Singh was rightly adjudged Player of the Match for his 4-21 spell. "When I saw the pitch gripping even while batting, I knew I had to hold the ball and vary my pace. It’s the batters who deserve credit for setting it up, but I’m just happy to contribute," he said.

The victory lifts USA to third in the group with two points and a boosted net run rate. They face Namibia in their final league game on February 15 in Chennai. Netherlands, meanwhile, face India in Ahmedabad on February 18, needing a win and favorable results to progress.