The ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match between the United States of America and Namibia took place at Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Oman, on February 8th, 2025. In an exciting encounter, the USA emerged victorious, thanks to a stellar all-round performance by Milind Kumar.
Namibia won the toss and elected to field first, hoping to take early wickets and restrict the USA to a manageable total. However, the American batting lineup had other plans. Despite losing Smit Patel early for just 3 runs, Andries Gous and captain Monank Patel steadied the innings with a well-constructed 134-run partnership. Gous played an impressive knock of 76 off 83 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. Monank Patel complemented him with a fluent 65 off 60 deliveries, striking at an impressive rate of 108.33.
After their dismissals, Saiteja Mukkamalla contributed 31 runs before falling to JJ Smit. The real fireworks, however, came from Milind Kumar, who played a match-defining innings. He smashed 54 runs off just 34 balls, with six fours and two sixes, maintaining a blistering strike rate of 158.82. Late cameos from Harmeet Singh (18 off 9 balls) and Shadley van Schalkwyk (21 off 10 balls) ensured the USA posted a competitive total of 293/8 in their allotted 43 overs.
Namibia’s bowling attack had a mixed day, with JJ Smit being the standout performer, claiming 4 wickets for 46 runs in his 9 overs. Bernard Scholtz provided good support with figures of 3/47. However, expensive spells from Ruben Trumpelmann and Ben Shikongo allowed the USA to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Chasing 294 for victory, Namibia faced immediate setbacks. They lost opener JP Kotze for just 2 runs, followed by Zane Green (16) and Jan Frylinck (16), leaving them struggling at 45/3. Captain Gerhard Erasmus tried to anchor the innings but was dismissed for 18 off 30 balls, reducing Namibia to 73/4.
Malan Kruger played a fighting knock of 32 off 44 balls, but he too fell to Milind Kumar, who was on fire with the ball. Kumar’s all-round brilliance continued as he dismantled the Namibian middle order, finishing with figures of 4/48 in 9 overs. Harmeet Singh chipped in with two crucial wickets, while Saurabh Netravalkar, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Nosthush Kenjige, and Sanjay Krishnamurthi took one wicket each.
Despite a late resistance from Ruben Trumpelmann (21 off 17 balls) and Shaun Fouché (22 off 37 balls), Namibia could only manage 179 runs before being bowled out in 40.2 overs. The USA’s disciplined bowling attack ensured they maintained control throughout the innings, with Kenjige particularly impressive, conceding just 27 runs in his 9 overs while picking up a wicket.
The USA secured a commanding 114-run victory, largely due to Milind Kumar’s exceptional performance with both bat and ball. For his all-round heroics, Kumar was rightfully named Player of the Match.
