SCORECARD
The United States registered a commanding six-wicket victory over Scotland in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Tuesday night. A disciplined bowling effort led by Saurabh Netravalkar and a composed batting display carried the Americans to victory with more than 22 overs to spare.
After Scotland elected to bat, the USA bowlers wasted little time in asserting control. Netravalkar, named Player of the Match, produced a masterclass in seam bowling, returning outstanding figures of 3 for 19 from nine overs. His early breakthroughs rocked the Scottish top order and set the tone for the innings.
Scotland stumbled almost immediately when Finlay McCreath was trapped lbw by Rushil Ugarkar for four in the second over. George Munsey briefly counterattacked with 19 off 24 balls, including three boundaries and a six, but Netravalkar removed him to leave Scotland at 38 for 2.
The pressure intensified as Scotland captain Richie Berrington and Michael English both fell to Netravalkar without scoring. From 48 for 4, Scotland found themselves in deep trouble as the USA attack maintained tight lines and disciplined fielding.
Brandon McMullen attempted to rebuild the innings with a fluent 32 from 34 deliveries, striking four fours and a six before Shubham Ranjane trapped him lbw. Matthew Cross then tried to stabilize the innings during a patient knock of 20 from 54 balls, but Scotland struggled to find momentum against the economical American bowlers.
The only major resistance came from Mark Watt, who played a fighting innings of 66 from 85 balls. The left-hander struck four boundaries and three sixes while shepherding the lower order.
However, wickets continued to tumble around him as Ugarkar ripped through the middle and lower order to finish with 4 for 48. Ranjane claimed two wickets, while Harmeet Singh added one as Scotland were dismissed for 169 in 43.3 overs.
Chasing a modest target, the USA top order approached the innings with confidence and composure. Openers Smit Patel and Shayan Jahangir gave the Americans a solid start, putting together 62 runs for the first wicket. Jahangir played the more aggressive role, smashing 37 from 34 balls with five fours and two sixes before being bowled by Oliver Davidson.
Patel anchored the innings with a steady 37 off 52 deliveries before falling to Michael Leask. Shehan Jayasuriya contributed 19, while Saiteja Mukkamalla added a valuable 35 from 35 balls to keep the chase firmly under control.
Milind Kumar then ensured there would be no late drama, finishing unbeaten on 24 from just 16 balls. Shubham Ranjane provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 11 as the United States cruised to 170 for 4 in just 27.1 overs, sealing another convincing victory in the League 2 competition.
