HIGHLIGHTS USA vs Netherlands, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, 21 T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back on! The players are back on the field. The openers for the Dutch are - Michael Levitt and Max O'Dowd. For the USA, Ali Khan will start things off. Levitt to face. Here we go!

.. THE RUN CHASE ...

Chaseable? 197 is the target. Massive on paper. But there are certain obstacles. Dew has already set in. The pitch is playing beautifully. The batters need to keep their cool and ensure that they don't go hammer and tongs blindly. Take your time, settle in and then play your shots, like how Saiteja Mukkamalla did. 25 (20) at one stage, but then 54 in his next 30 deliveries. For the bowlers, pace off and hitting the deck hard will be the key.

Couldn't quite find the accelerator - After the 15th over, USA's score read 148/3. However, the Dutch came back strongly towards the end, ensuring that the score did not even touch 200, let alone go past it. Bas de Leede was the star of that turnaround, picking up 2 of his 3 wickets in his last 2 overs. Logan van Beek picked up just one wicket but was economical, with just 28 runs in his 4 overs.

A batting beauty - Both the captains at the toss felt that the pitch was a batting beauty and it turned out that way. As many as 12 fours and 9 sixes were hit across 20 overs, as the USA top order made merry with the ball skidding onto the bat nicely under the floodlights. Saiteja Mukkamalla was the cornerstone of that innings, playing phenomenally for his 79. The innings was built on partnerships for the USA - two half century stands - for the second and fourth wicket kept the Dutch at bay as they struggled to find rhythm and accuracy.

Excellent finish. But by? 48/3 in the last 5 overs. Who has had the last laugh? It is not like the pitch has slowed down or anything, but the Netherlands came back really well to stop USA under 200. At one stage, 220 seemed to be on the cards.

Logan van Beek to Shubham Ranjane, 200 is not reached. Another slower ball, on a length, outside off, Shubham Ranjane drags it through mid on and gasps, huffs, puffs but eventually makes it back for the second. USA FINISH ON 196/6!

Right. Last ball. Six to get the 200?

Logan van Beek to Shubham Ranjane, Short and wide outside off, Ranjane reaches out and slaps it over cover. Excellent fielding in the deep by sweeper to his left. There is the opportunity for the third, but understandably, Ranjane wants the strike.

Logan van Beek to Shubham Ranjane, Landed outside off, Shubham Ranjane gets across and swings it wide of long on, to his right, for a couple.

Logan van Beek to Shubham Ranjane, WIDE. A short ball, well wide outside off, high as well. Left alone and it is wided for height.

Logan van Beek to Mohammad Mohsin, Outside off, Mohammad Mohsin punches it through the covers for a single.

4 balls left, but Ranjane is off strike. Mohammad Mohsin walks in next, at number 8, replacing Harmeet Singh.

Logan van Beek to Harmeet Singh, OUT! CAUGHT! The Netherlands keep picking up wickets at the death. Another wicket off a slower ball. Fuller, outside off, Harmeet Singh looks to target the heavens and he does set the rocket on ignition. But there isn't much fuel in that rocket and gravity pulls it back down. The ball does not have the distance and Roelof van der Merwe gets across to his right from long off to complete the catch. 159/3 has become 188/6 after 19.2 overs!

Logan van Beek to Shubham Ranjane, Landed outside off, pace off, Shubham Ranjane goes for the pull but plays early. Ends up dragging it off the bottom part towards long on, for a single.

Last over. How far beyond 200 can the USA get? How far below 200 can the Netherlands restrict them? Logan van Beek will bowl. 3-0-19-0 so far.

Bas de Leede to Shubham Ranjane, Gets across and pushes this towards long on for another single. 13 runs from the over but a wicket as well. 4-0-37-3​​​​​ for Bas de Leede. Good outing.

Bas de Leede to Harmeet Singh, Full, on middle and leg, swung towards long on for a single.

8 balls left. Harmeet Singh walks in next, at number 7, replacing Milind Kumar.

Bas de Leede to Milind Kumar, OUT! CAUGHT! That is an excellent catch. The slower-ball bouncer works. Around off, Milind Kumar tries to replicate what Ranjane did earlier in the over - get across and pull behind square. But he is cramped for room and beaten for lack of pace as well. The ball goes off his gloves, dying onto the keeper behind. But Scott Edwards keeps his eyes on the ball and dives spectacularly to his left, pouching it inches off the turf. The umpire does not give it out but Milind walks off sportingly. The USA are 185/5 after 18.4 overs!

Bas de Leede to Shubham Ranjane, Very full, almost a yorker, Shubham slips but manages to get it through square leg for a single. Moves to 40 (19).

Bas de Leede to Shubham Ranjane, FOUR! Nicely done. A short ball, around middle, Ranjane gets inside the line and pulls it behind square leg. Fine leg is up and cannot get there!

Bas de Leede to Shubham Ranjane, SIX! AUDACIOUS! Full and outside off, Shubham Ranjane gets under the ball and swings it cleanly over long off!

'Dew has started to form', says Katey Martin near the boundary. 200 becomes a mandate then, for the USA.

Kyle Klein to Shubham Ranjane, A bouncer, around off, pulled towards square leg for a single. 14 from the over, 4-0-35-1 for Klein in this game.

Kyle Klein to Shubham Ranjane, SIX! ADMONISHED! Pace off, but the ball takes off. Short, outside off, Shubham Ranjane waits for the ball, picks the length and pace and pulls it way over backward square leg!

Kyle Klein to Milind Kumar, Full and straight, Kumar drives it straight down the ground. Long on and long off get across and the former mops it up. A run taken.

Kyle Klein to Shubham Ranjane, Short, outside off, slapped through square leg for a run.

Kyle Klein to Shubham Ranjane, FOUR! Mistimed, but USA won't mind. A boundary after 13 balls. A short ball, outside off, Shubham Ranjane gets across for the lap, but gets hurried by the pace. Goes through with the shot though and somehow, manages to get it past the keeper, to the fine leg fence.

Kyle Klein to Milind Kumar, Full and straight, Milind Kumar works it through square leg for a single.

Kyle Klein will bowl the 18th over. 3-0-21-1 so far.

Bas de Leede to Milind Kumar, Full and on off, pace off, Milind Kumar blocks it towards mid-wicket for a single. Another terrific over - a wicket and 7 runs from it. Bas de Leede's bowling figures read 3-0-24-2 so far.

A bit of a quiet period for the USA. They need a good finish with the bat. Milind Kumar walks in next, at number 6, replacing Saiteja Mukkamalla.

Bas de Leede to Saiteja Mukkamalla, OUT! CAUGHT! No century for Mukkamalla. But it has been a wonderful knock. Banged in short, outside off, Saiteja Mukkamalla goes for the hook but he has been forced to go to the longer side of the ground. Gets it from the higher part of the bat and gets more height than distance. Deep square leg settles under it, where Colin Ackermann makes no mistake. The 54-RUN STAND has been broken and USA ARE 159/4 AFTER 16.5 OVERS!

Bas de Leede to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Right in the Holy Trinity. Full, wide outside off, Mukkamalla gets down on a knee and looks to launch this inside out. Gets more height than distance and the ball hovers in the air. Long off to his left, sweeper cover to his right and cover running back - are the fielders tracking it, but the ball lands right in between! Two runs taken.

Bas de Leede to Shubham Ranjane, Dropped short, down the leg side, Ranjane is early into his pull but manages to connect it towards fine leg for a run.

Bas de Leede to Shubham Ranjane, 50-RUN STAND UP, IN 32 BALLS! Second one of the innings. Short, outside off, Shubham Ranjane stands back and pulls it through mid-wicket. The batters take a single and go for the second. There is a run out chance as the bowler's end as the long on fielder gets across to his right and fires a throw to the bowler. But he cannot collect and Saiteja Mukkamalla gets a life.

Bas de Leede to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Bas de Leede is back on. 2-0-17-1 so far. Starts off with a length ball, around of, 116.3 kph, coming in with the angle, Saiteja Mukkamalla pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Logan van Beek to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Fuller, outside off, SM gets down on a knee and attempts a hoick, but only succeeds in dragging it off the inner part of the bat towards long on, for a single. Just 5 runs from that over.

Logan van Beek to Saiteja Mukkamalla, On a length, outside off, cutting back in sharply, Saiteja looks to punch it through the off side but is beaten.

Logan van Beek to Saiteja Mukkamalla, WIDE. This one is signalled. For line. Logan goes for the wide yorker outside off, but flirts too much with the guideline. Mukkamalla lets it be and gets the result in his favour.

Logan van Beek to Shubham Ranjane, Outside off, punched down to long off for one.

Logan van Beek to Shubham Ranjane, Too many mosquitoes at Chepauk? That seemed more like a mosquito racquet rather than a cricket bat. A short ball, outside off, Ranjane hops in the air and swishes the pull but misses. No wide signalled. That seemed pretty high. Yes, the side-on replay confirms that the ball was well above head height. Van Beek gets away with one.

Logan van Beek to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Landed outside off, on a length, Saiteja Mukkamalla goes for the cut but mistimes it through the covers for a run.

Logan van Beek to Shubham Ranjane, On middle and off, Shubham Ranjane works it towards long on for a single.

5 overs left. 15 an over will bring up 225 roughly. Logan van Beek returns. 2-0-14-0 so far.

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, SIX! LAUNCHED OFF THE RUNWAY! A touch short, around off, Saiteja Mukkamalla goes deep in his crease and pulls it over mid-wicket! 12 from the over, 26 in the last 2!

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Banged in short, but into the deck, with pace off, at 113.1 kph. Mukkamalla goes for a flat swipe over the line and miscues it over the bowler. By the time long on can get around, two runs are taken.

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, On a length, outside off, totally pace off, 115 kph. Saiteja Mukkamalla goes for a big hoick across the line but only gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. That could have so easily been dragged back onto the stumps.

Fred Klaassen to Shubham Ranjane, Full, outside off, Ranjane pushes it towards long off for a run.

Fred Klaassen to Shubham Ranjane, Full and wide outside off, Shubham Ranjane goes hard over the off side. Slices it over cover and the ball trickles away towards the ropes. But sweeper gets across to his right, dives and pushes the ball back in. Long off gets across to his left and returns the ball. Two runs taken, two saved.

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, On a length, outside off, from around the wicket, with the keeper upto the stumps. Saiteja Mukkamalla punches it through the covers for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. After a bit of a blip, the USA have started to pile on the runs again. 31 runs have come in the last 3 overs and the platform looks set for the 200-mark or even more, if a set batter bats deep. Or both. Netherlands have been under the pump tonight, but we have seen how games can change at the death. If they can manage to bowl a couple of quiet overs, they might get a wicket and suddenly, the floodgates might open. Fred Klaassen is back on. 2-0-20-1 so far.

Roelof van der Merwe to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Full, on middle and leg, pushed towards long on for a run. 14 from the over, Roelof van der Merwe has gone for 36 runs in his 3 overs, without a single dot ball!

Roelof van der Merwe to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Third couple on the trot! Outside off, a fraction short, Saiteja punches it through point and scampers back once again. The stand moves to 30 (17).

Roelof van der Merwe to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Outside off, carved over cover this time and excellent work by Colin Ackermann at the cover fence. Two more to the total.

Roelof van der Merwe to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Outside off, Mukkamalla leans and goes inside out, lofting it wide of long off, to his left. Two runs taken and Mukkamalla moves to 60 (38).

Roelof van der Merwe to Saiteja Mukkamalla, SIX! WINGS DEPLOYED! Full and straight, around off, Saiteja Mukkamalla gets under the ball and lofts it straight back over the bowler's head, in front of the sightscreen!

Roelof van der Merwe to Shubham Ranjane, Tossed up, outside off, Shubham Ranjane comes forward and opens the face of his bat, guiding it in front of point for a single.

Spin is back. Roelof van der Merwe returns. 2-0-22-0 so far.

Bas de Leede to Shubham Ranjane, Short, outside off, Ranjane pulls it wide of long on for a single.

Bas de Leede to Shubham Ranjane, FOUR! First boundary for Shubham Ranjane! Bas de Leede errs his line down the leg side, Shubham Ranjane swivels and helps it over short fine leg for a boundary.

Bas de Leede to Shubham Ranjane, Full and straight, Shubham Ranjane works it through square leg. The fielder from deep mid-wicket gets across to his right, but fumbles and the single is doubled.

Bas de Leede to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Dropped short again, this time Saiteja connects with his pull but cannot bisect deep square leg and deep mid-wicket. The former gets to the ball and the batter gets just a single.

Bas de Leede to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Banged in short, outside off, Mukkamalla goes for the hook but misses.

Bas de Leede to Saiteja Mukkamalla, On a length, outside off, Saiteja Mukkamalla slashes but misses.

Will spin come back on? We have seen 8 overs of pace so far. Not yet. Pace continues. Bas de Leede returns. 1-0-9-1 so far.

Kyle Klein to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Dropped short, around off, Saiteja gets under the bounce and pulls it with his wrists rolled over, towards deep backward square leg, for a run.

Kyle Klein to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Full and around off, Mukkamalla pushes it back down the pitch.

Kyle Klein to Saiteja Mukkamalla, On middle and leg, Saiteja Mukkamalla looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.

Kyle Klein to Saiteja Mukkamalla, SIX! Fifty up for Saiteja Mukkamalla! What a way to get to it. A touch fuller, outside off, Saiteja Mukkamalla moves forward, opens the face of his bat, and lifts it elegantly over deep cover as the ball sails into the stands.

Kyle Klein to Shubham Ranjane, A touch short, around off, Shubham Ranjane swivels and pulls it through fine leg for a run.

Kyle Klein to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Short and wide outside off, Saiteja Mukkamalla slaps it through point for a single.

One brings two. 82/1 has become 105/3. Shubham Ranjane walks in next, at number 5, replacing Sanjay Krishnamurthi. Kyle Klein is back on as well. 2-0-12-1 so far.

Fred Klaassen to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, OUT! TIMBER! Right through the gates. On a length, it lands on off, and tails back in sharply. Sanjay Krishnamurthi leans on and looks to block it but the ball goes through his bat and his pads and rattles the stumps. USA are 105/3 after 11 overs.

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Around off, punched past that point fielder, to his left, for a single.

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Landed outside off, a touch short, Mukkamalla cuts it through point where the fielder dives to his left and makes a wonderful stop.

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Short and outside off, Saiteja Mukkamalla punches it towards cover.

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, FOUR MORE! Back-to-back boundaries for Saiteja Mukkamalla! A bit slower this time, outside off, Saiteja Mukkamalla picks it well and steers it through backward point for yet another boundary.

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, FOUR! Runs are flowing for USA here! Short and wide, Saiteja Mukkamalla reaches out to it and slashes it over backward point for a boundary.

Halfway mark reached. 96/2 paints a very good picture of the USA's mentality. Fred Klaassen returns. 1-0-11-0 so far.

Roelof van der Merwe to Saiteja Mukkamalla, A full toss, around off, Mukkamalla pushes it down the ground towards long on for a single.

Roelof van der Merwe to Saiteja Mukkamalla, FOUR! Saiteja Mukkamalla is looking in some form! Tossed up, on off, Saiteja Mukkamalla stays back and pumps it over extra cover for a boundary.

Roelof van der Merwe to Saiteja Mukkamalla, WIDE. Fired down the leg side, Mukkamalla misses his flick.

Roelof van der Merwe to Saiteja Mukkamalla, FOUR! Nicely played! Much fuller, on off, Saiteja Mukkamalla picks it well and chips it magnificently over mid off for a boundary.

Roelof van der Merwe to Saiteja Mukkamalla, A touch short, outside off, Saiteja Mukkamalla goes back and cuts it through point for a brace.

Roelof van der Merwe to Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Full, outside off, pushed through point for a single.

Roelof van der Merwe to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Works this through square leg for a single.

The 55-run stand has been broken. Sanjay Krishnamurthi walks in next, at number 4, replacing Monank Patel.

Bas de Leede to Monank Patel, OUT! CAUGHT! Bas de Leede gets a wicket and the slower ball does the trick. That's a soft dismissal. Short, on off, slower too. Monank Patel tries to play an upper cut but he changes his mind at the last moment. The ball catches a top edge and lobs behind. Scott Edwards runs back and takes a good catch. USA are 82/2 after 9 overs.

Bas de Leede to Monank Patel, Landed outside off, driven wide of long off for a couple.

Bas de Leede to Monank Patel, FOUR! 50-RUN STAND comes up now! Length, on off, Monank Patel picks it well and flicks it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Bas de Leede to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Dropped short, outside off, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.

Bas de Leede to Saiteja Mukkamalla, On a length, outside off, punched towards cover.

Bas de Leede to Saiteja Mukkamalla, IN THE AIR... SAFE! Full on middle, Saiteja Mukkamalla leans and goes for the big hit down the ground. But gets more height than distance and miscues it towards widish long on. The ball lands in space and the batters come back for the second, by the time the fielders get to the ball.

Roelof van der Merwe to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Full, around off, Saiteja leans and pushes it towards point where an unforced error allows a single.

Roelof van der Merwe to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Good work in the deep from Colin Ackermann! A touch fuller, outside off, Saiteja Mukkamalla chips it magnificently over cover. The ball seems to be racing towards the ropes but Colin Ackermann charges to his right from deep point, dives to his right near the fence, and makes a brilliant stop. Saves a couple of runs.

Roelof van der Merwe to Monank Patel, Short, outside off, Monank goes back and cuts it fiercely through point for one.

Roelof van der Merwe to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Landed around off, spinning away a touch, Saiteja Mukkamalla goes back and works it through square leg. The keeper himself goes after the ball and keeps the batters to a run.

Roelof van der Merwe to Monank Patel, The arm ball, 78.6 kph, punched through mid-wicket for a single.

Roelof van der Merwe to Monank Patel, Tossed up, down the leg side, from around the wicket, Monank Patel works it behind square leg for a couple. The stand moves to 40 (26).

Spin from both ends. Here's Roelof van der Merwe, with his left-arm spin.

Aryan Dutt to Monank Patel, Thrown up, outside off, Monank leans and drives it through the covers for a single. 12 from this over as well and Dutt has gone for 24 in his 2 overs.

Aryan Dutt to Monank Patel, SIX! Monank Patel on the charge! Flatter, on middle, Monank Patel moves a bit forward and slogs it over cow corner as the ball sails over the fence.

Aryan Dutt to Monank Patel, Long hop, outside off, Patel rocks back and punches it through point for a couple. The stand moves to 31 (23).

Aryan Dutt to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Fuller, outside off, Mukkamalla leans and drives it through mid off for one.

Aryan Dutt to Monank Patel, Shorter, on middle, Monank Patel works it through mid on for a run.

Aryan Dutt to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Short, outside off, Saiteja Mukkamalla punches it through the covers for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. Action-packed half hour so far. We have seen 7 boundaries so far - 4 fours and 3 sixes - and a wicket fall. The track looks like a belter and the Dutch have to pull the lengths back and rely on changes of pace. There was some early swing on offer, for the first 3 overs, but even that has disappeared now. Spin went for a few in the opening over, but it will be interesting to see how it fares in the middle overs, with large boundaries and the field spread. The USA have finally got things right with their top order and need to make this platform count. They need to create a balance between attacking and forming a partnership, because there is very little difference between bravery and rashness. With the restrictions lifted, here's Aryan Dutt again. 1-0-12-0 so far.

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Length again, on off, Saiteja Mukkamalla leans on and plays it with soft hands towards cover for a single.

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Good length, on middle, Mukkamalla covers his line and blocks it to mid on.

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Beaten! A bit of extra bounce here. Slightly shorter and just outside off, Saiteja Mukkamalla tries to drive it but gets beaten.

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, FOUR! Almost a replica of the first ball of this over, only this was closer to the ground. Fuller, around off, Saiteja Mukkamalla leans into the shot and lofts it back past the bowler, beating mid off to his right. 50 UP FOR THE USA!

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, On middle and off this time, Mukkamalla works it towards short mid-wicket.

Fred Klaassen to Saiteja Mukkamalla, SIX! AMAZING! Welcome to the crease, Fred! Klaassen trots from over the wicket and lands this on a length, outside off, making it to angle away. Saiteja Mukkamalla stands in the crease, waits for the ball to arrive and almost nonchalantly, lofts it through the line, going well over mid off and the ropes beyond!

Final over of the Powerplay coming up. Will we see any bowling change, given that van Beek has bowled two overs? Yes. Fred Klaassen has been given the ball now. Another seamer.

Kyle Klein to Monank Patel, Good length again, on off, Monank Patel knocks it straight to the fielder at mid on. Ends the over with a dot ball.

Kyle Klein to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Slower one, on middle, Saiteja Mukkamalla stays back and clips it through backward square leg for another single.

Kyle Klein to Monank Patel, Edged, safe! On a length, on off, Monank Patel makes room and looks to loft it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball carries on the bounce towards deep third for a single.

Kyle Klein to Monank Patel, Similar ball, maybe a touch fuller, Patel whips it away again but finds short mid-wicket.

Kyle Klein to Monank Patel, FOUR! Whipped away! That's hit with disdain. On a length, around off, coming in with the angle, Monank just uses the angle and flick-whips it over mid-wicket to find the fence!

Kyle Klein to Monank Patel, JUST WIDE! How far was that from the bowler? On a length, outside off, Monank Patel looks to loft this down the ground. But he plays a bit too early and the ball goes off the bottom part of the bat. The bowler leaps to his left but the ball just about goes past his outstretched left hand, past mid off. The fielder gets to the ball and keeps the batters to a couple.

Logan van Beek to Saiteja Mukkamalla, Back of a length, on off, Saiteja Mukkamalla taps it to backward point.

Logan van Beek to Monank Patel, Full and targeting the stumps, Monank Patel knocks it to mid on. Roelof van der Merwe dives to his left and makes a fantastic stop. Keeps it to just a single.

Logan van Beek to Saiteja Mukkamalla, A bit of movement! On a length, outside off, Saiteja Mukkamalla picks it well and steers it through backward point for a run.

Logan van Beek to Monank Patel, On middle and off, the length is dragged back a touch, Patel pushes it towards mid on and it is good awareness by both batters to take that single. Boundary followed by a run. Good cricket.

Logan van Beek to Monank Patel, FOUR! SWEET! On a length, around off, Monank gets across a touch and with a full face of the bat, drives it straight back past the bowler, down the ground, to the long off fence!

Logan van Beek to Monank Patel, On middle and off, Monank Patel works it towards short mid-wicket.

3 overs, 3 bowlers. Who's up for the 4th? Logan van Beek gets another over.

Kyle Klein to Saiteja Mukkamalla, On a length, on off, Saiteja Mukkamalla takes a stride forward and taps it to the fielder at backward point.

So it is pace which gets the first wicket. Saiteja Mukkamalla walks in next, at number 3, replacing Shayan Jahangir.

Kyle Klein to Shayan Jahangir, OUT! TIMBER! Kyle Klein has the last laugh. With Jahangir looking to bash every ball, it was always going to be one at the stumps which could have troubled him. And Klein has done just that. Keeps this a touch fuller, outside off and then gets it to shape back in. Shayan Jahangir stays back and tries to loft it without moving his feet, but at the last moment, the ball lands and moves away off the seam. Goes past the bat and rattles the timber. A quickfire knock from Jahangir comes to an end and USA are 27/1 after 2.5 overs!

Kyle Klein to Shayan Jahangir, FOUR! Glorious stroke from Shayan Jahangir! Slightly overpitched, outside off, Shayan Jahangir leans on and chips it magnificently over cover for a boundary.

Kyle Klein to Shayan Jahangir, Full and straight, around off, Shayan comes forward and drives it towards mid off.

Kyle Klein to Shayan Jahangir, Little bit of away shape this time, on a length, 131 kph, Jahangir looks to punch this flat footed but gets a bottom edge towards mid off.

Kyle Klein to Shayan Jahangir, On a length, outside off, 131 kph, coming in, Shayan Jahangir looks to play straight but gets it off the inner half of the bat towards mid on.

12 from the first, 11 from the second. We are off to a flier here at Chepauk. Spin is off. Kyle Klein will bowl now.

Logan van Beek to Monank Patel, An attempted yorker, on off, Monank Patel taps it to the mid off fielder. Ends with a dot.

Logan van Beek to Shayan Jahangir, A touch fuller this time, shaping away again. Shayan Jahangir tries to flick it but gets a leading edge. The ball lobs over backward point. Deep third comes running in for the catch but the ball lands well in front. A single taken.

Logan van Beek to Shayan Jahangir, Another beauty! On a length, just outside off, Shayan Jahangir tries to drive it but the ball whistles past his outside edge.

Logan van Beek to Shayan Jahangir, Wow. Banana. Full and outside off, Shayan looks to drive without moving his feet but there is plenty of away swing and also lateral movement, which takes the ball away from the batter, past the outside edge.

Logan van Beek to Shayan Jahangir, FOUR LEG BYES! Wrong line this time. Down the leg side, Jahanagir looks to flick but falls over in the process. Misses the shot but the ball runs off his pads to the fine leg fence.

Logan van Beek to Shayan Jahangir, SIX! WHAM! The assassin runs in with a smile but it is the USA who are smiling more! A warmup ball, short and outside off, Shayan Jahangir picks the length in a trice and pulls it magnificently over deep mid-wicket!

If the first over was anything to go by, we may not see spin anytime soon before the Powerplay ends. It is the smiling assassin, Logan van Beek, who will share the new ball.

Aryan Dutt to Monank Patel, Short ball, on middle and leg, Monank Patel stays back and tucks it through backward square leg for a brace. 12 from the opening over!

Aryan Dutt to Shayan Jahangir, Three runs. A bit of turn here. This one lands on leg and turns. Shayan Jahangir tries to flick it but just gets a fine tickle. The ball rolls towards fine leg. The fielder chases it and keeps it in just before the fence. They collect three runs.

Aryan Dutt to Shayan Jahangir, SIX! Shayan Jahangir gets off the mark with a huge hit! A bit short, on middle, Shayan Jahangir goes deep in his crease and clatters it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Aryan Dutt to Shayan Jahangir, Landed outside off, Jahangir nudges it to the leg side.

Aryan Dutt to Shayan Jahangir, Full and fast now, around off, Shayan Jahangir stays back and works it towards short mid-wicket.

Aryan Dutt to Monank Patel, Slow ball to start. Short of full, outside off, coming in gently, Monank Patel stays back and nudges it through mid-wicket to get the scoreboard rolling with a single.

Let's play! The anthems are done and we are ready for the game to begin. The Dutch get into a huddle and then disperse. They are followed by the two USA openers - skipper Monank Patel and Shayan Jahangir. It will be the offie Aryan Dutt to start off proceedings. Monank to face. Here we go!

National anthems - Time for the proudest moment in any individual's career. The national anthem. The match officials walk out to the middle, followed by the two teams. It will be the Dutch anthem first, followed by that of the USA.

UAE pip Canada - Meanwhile, in Delhi, the United Arab Emirates have gone past Canada, chasing down 151, but with some nerves, with 5 wickets and 2 balls to spare. They were in trouble at 66/4 but an 84-run stand between opener Aryansh Sharma and Sohaib Khan sealed the deal. Aryansh played till the end and finished on an unbeaten 74, taking UAE to their first win of the tournament and to the third spot in Group D.

Pitch Report - Alan Wilkins and Dale Steyn are near the pitch. Wilkins says that it's a big playing ground as the long hit down the ground is 76 metres. To the sides, he informs that they are 63 and 70 metres. Moving over to the South African speedster, Steyn says that it's a mixed soil pitch. Informs that the first game played here was on red soil, while the second was on black soil. Reckons that this pitch will offer a lot of bounce, pace and grip as well. On the decision to chase, Dale feels that it will depend on whether there will be dew or not. But ends by saying that for now, it is an advantage for the Netherlands as they are chasing, on what looks like a really good pitch.

Extreme measures? Hmmm.... some bizarre team changes by the USA. No Gous. No Netravalkar. Remember, it is a do-or-die for the USA. Lose, get knocked out. Win, stay alive.

Would have bowled first too - The captain of USA, MONANK PATEL, says that he would have bowled first too. Adds that the pitch looks like a good batting deck and will have good bounce. But also says that they don't mind batting first and putting up a good score either. On the struggles of their top order, Patel says that it is very impprtant to first get in, say for some 5-10 balls and then play the big shots. Feels that his batters were unlucky in the first two games with some soft dismissals but stresses that the intent is to be fearless. On the fielding of his side, Monank agrees that it is important to be a good fielding side and in crucial moments, it is fielding which changes the momentum and helps you win games. On the team news, the skipper struggles for a bit and then remembers that Saurabh Netravalkar, Ehsan Adil and Andries Gous miss out. But while naming their replacements, he is able to remember only Saiteja Mukkamalla and Nosthush Kenjige.

Pride ourselves on adapting - The skipper of Netherlands, SCOTT EDWARDS, on being asked about his decision to bowl first, replies that it looks quite a good wicket, adding the factor of dew expected later on. On their batting techniques in the sub-continent, Edwards says that it is a bit different here with the ball coming on a bit later but asserts that the Dutch pride themselves in adapting to surfaces. On the team news, Edwards informs that Kyle Klein comes in for Timm van der Gugten. On Netherlands' excellent record over the USA in T20Is, Scott smiles and says that teams change over the years. Adds that the Dutch played the USA over a year or two ago. However, as far as his side is concerned, the skipper says that it is about playing with the same template that they have displayed so far.

Netherlands (Playing XI) - Michael Levitt, Max O'Dowd, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (C and WK), Zach Lion-Cachet, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Roelof van der Merwe, Kyle Klein (IN FOR TIMM VAN DER GUGTEN) and Fred Klaassen.

USA (Playing XI) - Monank Patel (C), Shayan Jahangir (WK), Saiteja Mukkamalla (IN FOR ANDRIES GOUS), Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Nosthush Kenjige (IN FOR SAURABH NETRAVALKAR) and Ali Khan (IN FOR EHSAN ADIL).

TOSS - Time for the spin of the coin. The two captains are out in the middle - Scott Edwards and Monank Patel. Monank will flip while Edwards will call. HEADS is the call and HEADS it is. NETHERLANDS CHOOSE TO BOWL!

Batting deck on offer? The surfaces in Chepauk have been pretty intriguing so far. In the IPL, we have been used to seeing slow, turning pitches, even in the evenings. But in the two games in this World Cup, we have seen high-scoring matches, that too, in the day time. Assuming the dew arrives, one expects the pitch to play even better under the floodlights.

Thriller shaping up in Delhi - In the second game of the day, Canada and the United Arab Emirates are engaged in a fine tussle at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. After Junaid Siddique became just the second bowler to take a 5-wicket haul in this edition, restricting the Danes to 150, Canada have fought back well so far. It is going down to the wire with UAE needing 29 runs from 16 balls! Sitting on the fence for that one.

Pinch yourself, it's true! Yes. For all those who might have just tuned in, on a Friday evening, might just be feeling that they have been overworked and the pressure is falling on their eyes. No need to worry. What you are reading is not a fictional piece. It has indeed happened. For the second time in two meetings in Men's T20 World Cups, Zimbabwe have stunned Australia! After their first meeting in the inaugural edition in 2007, the Rhodesians did it again, this time in Colombo, defending 169 successfully by 23 runs. What this has done is - opened up Group B. Monday sees Australia play Sri Lanka and if the Aussies lose that game, we could very well end up seeing Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in the Super Eights!

Practice makes perfect? Prior to the World Cup, Netherlands trained in Chennai. So one assumes that they would be pretty used to the conditions - heat, humidity and even dew. With this being an evening game, obviously, there won't be the heat from the sun but that does not mean it won't be hot. On the other hand, the USA have been flying to and fro countries. From surprising India at the Wankhede, to fighting Pakistan in Colombo, they are back in India, this time in the southern part, at the Chepauk. All the three venues have dew on offer, so the United States would have gained some experience from their previous two venues.

Chance to be amongst the big boys! On paper, USA vs Netherlands could seem as a pretty unimportant game. But for both the sides involved, it is very much important. A loss for USA means that their campaign is over while a win for the Dutch could see three teams at 4 points in the group. Additionally, if the Team In Orange can win by a big margin, they could even go above Pakistan to move to second spot! Let's hope we have a cracker in store.

... MATCH DAY ...

Group stage enters second half - We dive into match 21 of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, which sees the Netherlands take on the United States at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Dutch hold the edge in this rivalry, having won all three previous T20I meetings. That unbeaten record gives them a psychological advantage heading into this contest. For the USA, this presents an opportunity to rewrite that narrative and register a first win in the matchup. Promise shown, but no reward yet - The USA showed plenty of promise in the 2024 edition, and many had a keen eye on them coming into the tournament. Eyebrows were raised on the opening night at Wankhede when the USA had India at 77/6. For a while, they had one of the strongest sides under serious pressure, but they could not convert that commanding position into a win, and the game slipped away. That was followed by a defeat to Pakistan, leaving them still searching for a breakthrough result. Injuries and bowling concerns Injuries have not helped the USA's cause. Jasdeep Singh suffered a tournament-ending shoulder injury in the warm-up fixture against New Zealand even before the competition officially began. Then Ali Khan missed the Pakistan game due to a groin issue, further weakening the pace attack. Saurabh Netravalkar was taken to the cleaners against India but showed character by fighting back well against Pakistan. One consistent name so far has been Shadley van Schalkwyk, returning identical figures of 4 for 25 in both games. The spin duo of Mohammad Mohsin and Harmeet Singh have also done a decent job, while the USA will hope Ali Khan is back fit and running because his presence will add extra bite to the bowling unit. Batting must step up - The batting has shown glimpses of promise from the likes of Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shayan Jahangir and Shubham Ranjane. There have been encouraging signs, but not enough substance across an entire innings. Moreover, the USA found spin tough to get away against Pakistan, and how they fare against the Dutch spinners will be crucial, especially the likes of Aryan Dutt and Roelof van der Merwe. The USA need their two mainstays, Andries Gous and captain Monank Patel, to deliver. Both are yet to fire in this tournament, and a big contribution from either could make the difference between another competitive effort and a complete performance. Regret lingers, but hope remains - The Netherlands did well to put the disappointment of the loss against Pakistan behind them with a win over Namibia. Still, there will be that lingering feeling of what if. Had they beaten Pakistan, they would have been far better placed in the race for the Super 8 stage. Beat the USA and then who knows. A surprise against India would shake up the group and throw qualification wide open. All-round strength - Bas de Leede's all-round heroics were the highlight of the win against Namibia, and that reflected the kind of side the Netherlands are. Whether with bat or ball, they have multiple players who can chip in on both fronts, which makes them well-equipped in different match situations. A couple of underwhelming knocks so far from Max O'Dowd, and the Netherlands will want their dynamic opening batter to deliver. Travel and squad management - The Netherlands have already logged serious miles, travelling from Colombo to Delhi, then down south to Chennai and are next scheduled to travel to Ahmedabad for the clash against India. This kind of travel schedule could mean the Dutch think tank will have to carefully manage workloads. The return of Logan van Beek and Paul van Meekeren, two key pacers who missed the game against Namibia, will be a timely boost as they look to balance rotation with performance. Team form (Last 5 T20I games, most recent first) - USA - LLWWL | Netherlands - WLLLW. What to expect? This will be the first night game in Chennai in this tournament, with the two previous matches having been played at 11 am and 3 pm. Conditions under lights are expected to bring a slightly different dynamic. Whenever you hear Chennai, you automatically associate it with spin. Traditionally, surfaces at Chepauk tend to assist slower bowlers. Interestingly, though, there has not been as much turn on offer so far as you would normally expect. With it being a night game, dew is likely to come into the picture, and it could tilt the balance slightly towards the side chasing. History backs that up as well. 4 out of the 5 night games in Chennai during the last IPL season were won by the team batting second. Who are you backing to emerge victorious?