The 33rd match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, held on Sept. 24, 2024, in Windhoek, saw the USA overpower the UAE by a commanding 136-run margin. This one-sided affair showcased the brilliance of Milind Kumar, who played a starring role with both bat and ball to earn the Player of the Match award.
USA won the toss and opted to bat first, posting an imposing total of 339/4 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings started on a cautious note as opener Smit Patel led the charge with a solid 48 off 58 deliveries, anchoring the innings after two early losses. His innings, which included seven boundaries, came to an end when he was trapped LBW by Aayan Afzal Khan. Meanwhile, Andries Gous (5) and captain Monank Patel (5) fell cheaply, reducing the USA to 46/2 in the 10th over.
It was then that Saiteja Mukkamalla and Milind Kumar took over, combining for a mammoth 191-run partnership that completely shifted the momentum in the USA’s favor. Mukkamalla played a brilliant innings of 107 off 99 balls, striking 15 boundaries and a six. He was dismissed in the 44th over, but not before setting a solid foundation for the final onslaught.
The real star of the USA innings was Milind Kumar, who produced an unbeaten masterclass, scoring 155* off just 110 balls. His innings was a powerful mix of precision and aggression, featuring 16 boundaries and five towering sixes. Milind’s dominance ensured that the USA finished with a strong total of 339/4.
Among the UAE bowlers, Aayan Afzal Khan was the pick, taking 2/49 in his 10 overs, while Junaid Siddique and Ali Naseer chipped in with a wicket each. However, most of the UAE bowlers were expensive, with Omid Shafi Rahman conceding 73 runs in his 8 overs.
Chasing a daunting target of 340, UAE’s innings never gained momentum, and they were bundled out for 203 in 36.2 overs. Saurabh Netravalkar provided the perfect start for the USA, removing three top-order batsmen early on. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem (12 off 11) and opener Aryansh Sharma (11 off 15) fell in quick succession, leaving the UAE at 25/1 and 28/2.
Vishnu Sukumaran (7) followed soon after, and UAE were reeling at 33/3 inside seven overs. Asif Khan and Rahul Chopra provided some resistance with a 103-run stand for the fourth wicket. Asif Khan scored 51 off 49 balls, including seven boundaries and a six, while Rahul Chopra smashed 52 off 44 balls with seven fours and a six. Their fightback, however, was short-lived, as both batsmen fell in quick succession, reducing the UAE to 138/5 by the 23rd over.
Basil Hameed was the only other UAE batsman to offer some fight, remaining unbeaten with 50 off 43 balls. Despite his efforts, wickets continued to tumble at the other end, with the last six wickets falling for just 67 runs.
USA’s bowling was clinical, with Netravalkar leading the attack, finishing with 3/32 in his 7 overs. Nosthush Kenjige was equally effective, claiming 3/36 in his full 10 overs, including crucial middle-order scalps. Jasdeep Singh also contributed with two wickets, while Milind Kumar added one to his tally, showcasing his all-round prowess.
The USA registered a comfortable victory, winning by 136 runs. Milind Kumar’s all-around performance, particularly his sensational 155* with the bat, stood out as the defining moment of the match.
