Patel And Kumar Duo Dismantles Canada in Dominant USA Victory
In a commanding performance at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, the United States of America secured a resounding 169-run victory over Canada in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. The match, played during the 2025 season, saw a remarkable batting display from Smit Patel, who was deservedly named Player of the Match for his unbeaten knock of 152 runs.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the USA built their innings around two sensational performances by Smit Patel and Milind Kumar. Despite the early loss of opener Andries Gous for just 4 runs, Patel remained unshaken and displayed great composure and timing throughout his innings. Captain Monank Patel contributed a quick 47 before falling to Saad Bin Zafar, and Saiteja Mukkamalla chipped in with 30. However, it was the explosive 115 not out from Milind Kumar that elevated the USA’s total to a daunting 361 for 3 in their allotted 50 overs.
Smit Patel’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, comprising 12 fours and 4 sixes. His partnership with Milind Kumar for the fourth wicket, which added over 200 runs, completely deflated the Canadian bowling attack. The Canadian bowlers struggled to find their rhythm, with only Saad Bin Zafar managing to claim two wickets while conceding 57 runs in his 10 overs. The rest of the bowling unit was expensive and ineffective, allowing the USA batters to dominate.
Chasing a mammoth target of 362, Canada never looked settled. They lost skipper Navneet Dhaliwal early for just 9 runs, and although Yuvraj Samra (41) and Pargat Singh (38) tried to rebuild, their efforts were not enough against a disciplined USA bowling attack. Harmeet Singh and Nosthush Kenjige took two wickets apiece, while Sanjay Krishnamurthi made a significant impact with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 10 runs in his short spell.
Canada’s lower middle-order offered little resistance. Only Mansab Gill stood firm with an unbeaten 54, but wickets continued to fall at the other end. The team was eventually bowled out for 192 in 46.2 overs, falling well short of the target.
From a bowling perspective, the USA bowlers maintained tight lines and were well supported in the field. Milind Kumar and Harmeet Singh both bowled economically and struck crucial blows at the right moments, underlining the team’s all-round strength.
This victory not only boosted the USA’s standing in the League 2 table but also sent a strong message about their growing competitiveness in the international cricket arena. The comprehensive nature of the win, with standout performances from both bat and ball, reflects the team’s potential as a rising force.
