T20 World Cup: Mukkamalla’s 79, Harmeet’s four-for power USA to crushing win over Netherlands

NEW DELHI: Saiteja Mukkamalla’s classy 79 and a four-wicket burst from former India U-19 star Harmeet Singh powered the United States to a commanding 93-run win over the Netherlands in a group league fixture on Friday.

The victory marked USA’s first-ever T20I win over the Netherlands. Mukkamalla’s 51-ball knock laid the foundation for a strong 196 for 6, while all-rounder Shubham Ranjane once again showcased his value with a brisk 24-ball 48 not out.

A landmark victory for Team USA! ➡️

They register their first ever T20I victory over the Netherlands, keeping their Super 8 hopes well and truly alive! motiv

Up next ➡️ ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #IREvOMA 👉 SAT, FEB 14, 10:30 AM pic.twitter.com/f6n2gYpa3K

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 13, 2026

Harmeet Spins a Web

Left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh (4/21) may not have bowled many classic wicket-taking balls, but the Netherlands batters found themselves hopelessly tangled as they were skittled for 103 in 15.5 overs.

Harmeet’s figures were the best by a USA bowler in a T20 World Cup match. Interestingly, two of his wickets — opener Max O’Dowd (13) and all-rounder Bas de Leede (23) — came off half-track deliveries that ended up in the hands of fielders.

The remaining two dismissals were of higher quality — a flat, skiddy delivery that sneaked past skipper Scott Edwards’ defence, and a straighter one that trapped Roelof van der Merwe plumb in front.

Another left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige also struck gold, producing one that stayed alarmingly low to beat opener Michael Levitt all ends up.

The Netherlands never truly looked in the hunt, especially on a surface that slowed down as the innings progressed.

Mukkamalla Sets the Tone

Earlier, Mukkamalla set the tempo with a fluent 79 off 51 balls before Ranjane’s late flourish pushed USA to a competitive 196 for 6 from their 20 overs.

Mukkamalla stitched together a 55-run stand for the second wicket with skipper Monank Patel (36), and later added 54 for the fourth wicket alongside Ranjane, who swung freely to propel the total closer to 200.

A former student of the VVS Laxman-run academy in Hyderabad, Mukkamalla struck five fours and four sixes, with his off-side hitting — including clean strikes over cover — standing out.

Ranjane’s Late Surge, De Leede Fights Back

While Mukkamalla’s driving caught the eye, Ranjane provided the finishing touches, taking apart the Netherlands’ short-ball ploy late in the innings.

Former South Africa spinner Roelof van der Merwe was dispatched straight down the ground by Mukkamalla, while Ranjane pulled both Bas de Leede and Logan van Beek with authority.

Fresh off a half-century against Pakistan, Ranjane looked in sublime touch, and with him and Mukkamalla batting together, a 200-plus total seemed well within reach. However, van Beek and de Leede used smart changes of pace on the slow Chepauk track to rein things in.

De Leede, son of former Netherlands seamer Tim de Leede, finished as the standout bowler with figures of 3 for 37.

(With PTI Inputs)