On Feb 15 the United States kept alive their bid to reach the Twenty20 World Cup Super 8s by defeating Namibia by 31 runs, completing their Group A programme with back-to-back wins.
Electing to bat in Chennai, the Americans posted 199-4. Captain Monank Patel and Sanjay Krishnamurthi were the driving forces behind that total, each recording half-centuries that anchored the innings. Patel made 52 from 30 deliveries, setting a brisk tempo at the start of the U.S. innings.
Krishnamurthi finished unbeaten on 68 from 33 balls, striking six sixes and four boundaries in what was his first half-century in T20 internationals. Patel and Krishnamurthi combined for an 87-run partnership for the fourth wicket, a stand that pushed the Americans to their highest score of the campaign.
Namibia offered a promising response initially. Louren Steenkamp led their reply and reached 58, steering his side to 97-1 inside 10 overs. However, Steenkamp was caught at point in the 13th over which marked a turning point in their chase. Namibia were unable to sustain the momentum and were eventually dismissed for 168-6.
Namibia's scoring was held in check by disciplined spells from Shadley van Schalkwyk, who finished with figures of 2-27, and Saurabh Netravalkar, who took 1-27. Their contributions limited Namibia's ability to accelerate consistently in the closing stages.
The victory follows two earlier defeats for the U.S., who had lost to India and Pakistan at the start of the tournament. With four points secured from the group stage, the Americans will be dependent on their positive net run rate to potentially finish in the top two of Group A and advance to the Super 8s.
Match scoreline highlights
- United States - 199-4 (Chennai)
- Monank Patel - 52 off 30 balls
- Sanjay Krishnamurthi - 68 not out off 33 balls (six sixes, four boundaries)
- Namibia - 168-6
- Louren Steenkamp - 58
- Shadley van Schalkwyk - 2-27; Saurabh Netravalkar - 1-27