In a dominant display at the United Cricket Club Ground in Windhoek, the United States of America comfortably defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 10 wickets in the 27th match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 on September 18, 2024. The USA, electing to field after winning the toss, dismantled the UAE’s batting lineup, with Jasdeep Singh producing a remarkable bowling performance to claim Player of the Match honors.
The UAE struggled right from the start, with captain Muhammad Waseem dismissed early for just 2 runs by Saurabh Netravalkar in the second over. Alishan Sharafu followed quickly after, out for a duck. Aryansh Sharma provided some resistance with a brisk 31 from 38 balls, including 4 boundaries and 1 six, but wickets continued to tumble around him. Jasdeep Singh led the American bowling attack with a devastating spell, taking 4 wickets for just 18 runs in 5 overs, removing key middle-order players like Aayan Afzal Khan and Basil Hameed for ducks.
Milind Kumar also contributed significantly with 2 wickets, including the dismissal of Ali Naseer, who added a valuable 23 runs off 28 balls, hitting 5 boundaries. The UAE was eventually bowled out for a mere 106 in 31.2 overs, with the last 6 wickets falling for just 66 runs.
In response, the USA’s openers made quick work of the modest target. Andries Gous and Smit Patel put on a flawless partnership, chasing down the target in just 15.5 overs without losing a wicket. Gous was the more aggressive of the two, smashing 66 runs off 54 balls, including 12 boundaries and 1 six, at a strike rate of 122.22. Patel played a steady hand, scoring 38 runs from 41 balls with 5 boundaries. Together, they guided the USA to 107/0, winning by 10 wickets with 205 balls remaining.
The UAE’s bowling attack struggled to make any impact, with Junaid Siddique and Ali Naseer conceding runs at over 10 per over. None of the UAE bowlers were able to break through the solid opening partnership, allowing the USA to cruise to an easy victory.
The USA’s victory was comprehensive, marked by an all-round bowling performance and dominant batting display. The win cements their strong position in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, while the UAE will need to regroup after a disappointing showing with both bat and ball.