Mukkamalla and Milind Kumar Power USA to Crushing Win Over UAE
The United States of America continued their fine form in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 with a commanding victory over the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Nov. 3, 2025. In a completely one-sided affair, the USA outplayed the hosts in every department, winning by an astonishing margin after a superb batting display anchored by Saiteja Mukkamalla, who was deservedly named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 137.
Having lost the toss, the USA were sent in to bat first. The innings started on a shaky note, with the top order collapsing early under disciplined UAE bowling. Openers Smit Patel (5) and Shayan Jahangir (2) fell cheaply within the first two overs, and captain Monank Patel departed soon after for 15, leaving the visitors struggling at 28 for 3. At that stage, it seemed UAE’s decision to field first had paid off.
However, what followed was an extraordinary turnaround. Saiteja Mukkamalla and Milind Kumar joined forces to construct one of the most memorable partnerships in USA’s ODI history. Displaying patience, composure, and elegant stroke play, the pair rebuilt the innings with precision. Mukkamalla led from the front, mixing caution with aggression, striking 10 boundaries and three sixes during his 149-ball masterclass. Milind Kumar provided perfect support, matching his partner’s brilliance with an unbeaten 123 off 125 balls, laced with 11 fours and one six.
The duo’s unbroken 264-run stand completely demoralized the UAE bowlers, who toiled without success. Their partnership propelled the USA to a commanding total of 292 for 3 in 50 overs. None of the UAE bowlers could make a breakthrough after the early burst, though Junaid Siddique (2 for 60) and Muhammad Rohid (1 for 69) were among the wickets.
Chasing 293 for victory, the UAE innings turned into a nightmare from the very first over. USA’s pace spearhead Saurabh Netravalkar struck early, removing captain Alishan Sharafu for a duck. The top order then crumbled like a house of cards as wickets fell in quick succession. Rushil Ugarkar produced a devastating spell, dismantling the middle order with pace and movement. He finished with sensational figures of 5 for 22 in 8.1 overs, while Netravalkar was equally destructive with 3 for 4 in his eight-over spell, including four maidens.
The UAE batters had no answers to the relentless USA attack. Only Junaid Siddique managed to reach double figures with 10 off nine balls, while the rest fell cheaply. The team was bundled out for a mere 49 runs in 22.1 overs, registering one of their lowest ODI totals.
It was a complete performance from the USA — built on Mukkamalla and Kumar’s record partnership and followed by a ruthless bowling display. The victory not only highlighted the growing strength of American cricket but also underscored their determination to dominate League 2. With this emphatic win, the USA gained crucial points and a significant boost in net run rate, keeping their World Cup qualification hopes firmly alive.
Final Result: USA won by 243 runs.
Player of the Match: Saiteja Mukkamalla (137*).
