USA Cricket: Milind Kumar’s Third Fifty Powers Team to Four-Wicket Victory Over Nepal
Milind Kumar’s exceptional batting performance led the USA to a thrilling four-wicket victory against Nepal at the ICC Academy in Dubai. This win marks Kumar’s third consecutive half-century during the USA’s tour of the UAE, as he scored 70 runs off 66 balls, helping his team chase down a target of 272 with one over to spare.
Strong Start for USA
The USA’s innings began positively, with Smit Patel and Shayan Jahangir forming a solid opening partnership. Jahangir, who was promoted to open the batting after Andries Gous was omitted from the lineup, contributed 36 runs. The opening stand was broken in the 11th over when Patel was dismissed for 16 runs, falling lbw to Gulshan Jha.
Captain Monank Patel added 21 runs before being caught out in the 21st over, leaving the USA at 95 for 3. The team faced early pressure but found stability with Kumar’s arrival at the crease.
Kumar and Mukkamalla Partnership
Kumar joined Sai Mukkamalla, and together they formed a crucial fourth-wicket partnership of 123 runs. Kumar quickly established himself as the aggressor, scoring four boundaries in his first 23 balls. Mukkamalla, who took 79 balls to reach his half-century, played a supportive role, allowing Kumar to take charge of the scoring.
Kumar reached his half-century in just 50 balls, showcasing his form with a series of powerful shots, including a six and a four in the 40th over. The USA was in a commanding position, needing only 72 runs off the last 60 balls with seven wickets in hand.
Nepal’s Fightback
Despite the USA’s strong position, Nepal fought back, claiming crucial wickets. In the 43rd over, Kumar was dismissed by Sandeep Lamichhane, caught at long-on, reducing the score to 223 for 4. Mukkamalla followed soon after, falling for 75 runs in the 46th over, caught brilliantly by Kushal Bhurtel.
As the pressure mounted, the USA required 29 runs off the last three overs. Shubham Ranjane’s six in the 48th over provided a much-needed boost, but he was stumped on the next ball, leaving the team in a precarious situation.
Harmeet Singh Seals the Victory
Harmeet Singh entered the fray and quickly shifted the momentum back to the USA. After a series of singles, he hit a six over long-on, bringing the team closer to victory. Singh finished the match with another six, ending on 13 not out off just five balls, while Sanjay Krishnamurthi remained unbeaten on 15 runs.
Nepal’s bowling attack saw Lamichhane take 3 wickets for 53 runs, while Jha, Karan KC, and Nandan Yadav each contributed with one wicket. Despite their efforts, Nepal could not contain the USA’s batting depth.
Nepal’s Innings
Earlier, Nepal set a target of 272 runs, with notable contributions from Bhurtel and Rohit Paudel. Bhurtel scored 47 runs, while Paudel added 36 runs before being dismissed. The USA’s bowlers, led by Harmeet Singh with 3 wickets for 33 runs, effectively restricted Nepal’s scoring.
Nosthush Kenjige, making his debut, took two wickets, including the crucial early dismissal of Aasif Sheikh. The USA’s disciplined bowling and fielding led to a series of wickets that kept Nepal’s innings in check.
The match concluded with Nepal’s innings ending at 271 runs, as Jessy Singh’s sharp fielding led to a run-out on the final ball, sealing the victory for the USA.
The USA’s win strengthens their position at the top of the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two points table, now sitting at 34 points after 23 matches, four points clear of Scotland.
USA’s next match will be against the UAE on Monday, concluding their tour.
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Published on 2025-11-02 07:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk