The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match between the United States and Nepal took place at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on November 2, 2024, and featured a fiercely competitive 50-over contest. Nepal won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to take advantage of the early conditions. Nevertheless, the USA managed to deliver a solid batting display, posting a challenging total of 281/8 in their 50 overs.
The USA’s innings commenced with Shayan Jahangir, who scored only 10 runs off 24 balls before being caught and bowled by Gulsan Jha. Team captain Monank Patel played a substantial role, amassing 67 runs from 81 balls, which included five fours and a six. Aaron Jones contributed with a brisk 26 runs off 20 balls at an impressive strike rate of 130 before being caught by substitute fielder R Dhakal from the bowling of Sandeep Lamichhane. The highlight of the innings was Saiteja Mukkamalla, who played a pivotal role with a well-made 75 off 87 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six. His partnership with Monank Patel laid a firm groundwork for the USA to build towards a formidable total.
In the latter stages of the innings, Harmeet Singh delivered an explosive performance, scoring 59 runs off just 44 balls, which included three fours and three sixes. This dynamic innings significantly boosted the USA’s run rate, allowing them to finish at 281/8. Other notable contributions came from Sanjay Krishnamurthi with 15 runs and Utkarsh Srivastava with 8 runs, though they were dismissed before they could expand their scores further. Gulsan Jha was the standout bowler for Nepal, claiming 3 wickets for 87 runs in his 10 overs, while Sandeep Lamichhane had a more economical outing, taking 2 wickets for 48 runs.
Facing a target of 282, Nepal had a tough challenge ahead of them. They lost an early wicket when Aasif Sheikh was bowled by Jasdeep Singh for just 6 runs. Anil Sah steadied the innings, scoring a resilient 52 off 80 balls, but the USA bowlers maintained the pressure throughout. Kushal Bhurtel and Kushal Malla attempted to stabilize things, scoring 29 and 33, respectively, although their run rates were hampered due to the disciplined bowling.
Saurabh Netravalkar emerged as the standout performer for the USA, capturing 4 wickets for 47 runs in 9.5 overs. His precision and knack for taking crucial wickets at pivotal moments earned him the Player of the Match accolade. Netravalkar dismissed significant players like Aarif Sheikh and Dipendra Singh Airee, who were trying to expedite the scoring. Sompal Kami, however, showed determination with a brisk 46 off 27 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes, bringing Nepal within reach. Yet, the USA bowlers effectively held back the remaining batting order, eventually bowling Nepal out for 244 runs in 49.5 overs, thereby securing a 37-run victory.
Jasdeep Singh and Shadley van Schalkwyk provided vital support, each taking a wicket when it mattered most. Through this victory, the USA demonstrated a comprehensive performance in both batting and bowling, successfully defending a demanding total in this ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match.
Image Source: Saurabh Netravalkar @ Instagram
