USA Crushes Namibia by 31 Runs in Chennai to Keep Super 8 Dreams Flickering

Opting to bat first, the USA posted a strong 199/4, their highest-ever total in T20 World Cup history. Namibia failed to match the tempo and lost the match by 31 runs

The foundation of this victory belongs to captain Monank Patel, who struck a fluent 52 off 30 balls. During this innings, Patel etched his name in the record books as the first USA batter to surpass 1,000 T20I runs.

After a brief mid-innings lull orchestrated by Namibia's Willem Myburgh (2/22), who dismissed both openers, Sanjay Krishnamurthi took center stage. Krishnamurthi played a breathtaking, unbeaten knock of 68 off just 33 deliveries, reaching his maiden T20I half-century in 23 balls. Alongside Milind Kumar (28), he plundered 83 runs in the final six overs to propel the USA to 199/4.

Namibia’s Chase Falters Despite Steenkamp’s Resistance

Namibia's response began with intent, racing to 57/1 in the powerplay. Opener Louren Steenkamp anchored the chase with a fighting 58 off 39 balls, keeping the side in the hunt as they reached 97/1 by the 10th over. However, the momentum shifted decisively when the USA’s bowling unit, led by the tournament's leading wicket-taker Shadley van Schalkwyk, began to vary pace on the abrasive Chennai surface.

Once Steenkamp fell to the medium pace of Shubham Ranjane in the 13th over, Namibia's middle order collapsed under the escalating required run rate. Despite a late cameo of 31 from JJ Smit, Namibia was restricted to 168/6, as Van Schalkwyk finished with figures of 2/30.

This victory moves the USA to four points in Group A, keeping their Super Eight qualification hopes alive while mathematically eliminating Namibia following their third consecutive defeat.

The USA must now wait for other group results to determine if their positive net run rate is sufficient for progress.