The USA just turned a tricky World Cup group into a real contest.
In Chennai, the national team crushed the Netherlands by 93 runs in a key Group A game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The USA posted 196 for 6, then bowled the Dutch out for 103 in 15.5 overs at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, February 13.
This was not a warm-up. For both sides, it was a game that could shape the Super Eight race. A loss would have pushed the USA to the edge of elimination.
When and How The Game Unfolded
The Netherlands won the toss and chose to field first in Chennai. The match was listed as the 21st game of the tournament, part of Group A, which includes India, Pakistan, Namibia, the USA, and the Netherlands.
For fans in the United States, the game started in the morning. USA matches in this World Cup are being carried on Willow TV, with Willow and partner platforms also streaming Team USA games for American viewers.
Conditions were good for batting. Both captains had called the surface a batting pitch at the toss, and the final scoreline backed that up.
USA Batting Finally Clicks at The Right Time
The USA innings began with a positive opening stand. Shayan Jahangir made 20 from 14 balls, giving quick early runs.
Captain Monank Patel then set the tone with 36 from 22 deliveries. He hit three fours and one six and added a 75-run partnership for the second wicket with Saiteja Mukkamalla.
Mukkamalla produced the innings of the night. The right-hander scored 79 from 51 balls, with five fours and four sixes. He started steadily, then accelerated once set, lifting the scoring rate in the middle overs.
After he fell, Shubham Ranjane finished the job. He stayed unbeaten on 48 from only 24 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes and pushing the total close to 200.
For the Netherlands, Bas de Leede was the one bowler who kept some control. He finished with 3 for 37 in his four overs, including the wickets of Monank and Mukkamalla.
By the end of 20 overs, the USA had 196 for 6. On a ground with a large outfield and an evening start time, that was a strong total rather than a flat track score.
Harmeet Singh Leads a Ruthless USA Bowling Show
Chasing 197, the Netherlands never settled.
Nosthush Kenjige removed opener, Michael Levitt in the first over, and the early breakthrough set the tone.
Harmeet Singh then changed the game completely. He dismissed Max O’Dowd and Bas de Leede, both of whom had started to rebuild, and later removed captain Scott Edwards. Harmeet finished with figures of 4 for 21 from four overs.
Shadley van Schalkwyk backed him up with 3 for 21, while Mohammad Mohsin added two wickets. The Dutch innings folded from 75 for 6 to 103 all out, with no batter passing 23.
The combined attack used a mix of spin, changes of pace, and disciplined lines rather than pure speed. On a surface that held up a little for slower balls, that was enough.
What Does This Result Mean for The World Cup Group
This win keeps the USA very much alive in Group A.
Updated standings after the game show the USA climbing to third place in the group, moving ahead of the Netherlands on net run rate.
The Americans now face Namibia in their final group match in Chennai on Sunday, February 15, while the Netherlands meet India on Tuesday, February 18, in Ahmedabad. Both games will have a direct impact on the race for the Super Eight spots.
For USA fans, this result matters beyond one night. The team had opened the tournament against heavyweights India and Pakistan and came into this match under real pressure. Beating a seasoned Dutch side by such a margin shows that the USA can compete when conditions, planning, and execution come together.
It also feeds into a larger story. Cricket’s profile in the United States is rising, and this World Cup is part of that growth, with every Team USA game available nationwide on Willow and digital platforms. Performances like this give new fans a clear reason to tune in next time the USA walks out in World Cup colors.
