On February 8th, 2025, the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match between the United States and Namibia unfolded at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman. The thrilling match saw the USA come out on top, driven by an outstanding all-round display from Milind Kumar.
After winning the toss, Namibia opted to field first, aiming to secure early wickets to limit the USA’s total. However, the American batting order had different intentions. Despite the early loss of Smit Patel for only 3 runs, Andries Gous and captain Monank Patel stabilized the innings with a solid partnership of 134 runs. Gous delivered a commendable performance, scoring 76 runs off 83 balls, featuring four fours and three sixes. Monank Patel supported him effectively, making a polished 65 runs off 60 balls, achieving an excellent strike rate of 108.33.
Following their dismissals, Saiteja Mukkamalla added 31 runs before being dismissed by JJ Smit. The true fireworks came from Milind Kumar, whose innings proved pivotal. He launched an impressive 54 runs off just 34 balls, including six fours and two sixes, maintaining a scorching strike rate of 158.82. Late contributions from Harmeet Singh (18 off 9 balls) and Shadley van Schalkwyk (21 off 10 balls) ensured that the USA set a competitive total of 293 for 8 in their allotted 43 overs.
Namibia’s bowling performance was uneven, with JJ Smit being the standout with 4 wickets for 46 runs over 9 overs. Bernard Scholtz also had a solid showing with figures of 3 for 47. However, costly overs from Ruben Trumpelmann and Ben Shikongo allowed the USA to keep the scoreboard ticking steadily.
As they pursued 294 for victory, Namibia faced early challenges, losing opener JP Kotze for just 2 runs, followed by Zane Green (16) and Jan Frylinck (16), leaving them reeling at 45 for 3. Captain Gerhard Erasmus attempted to anchor the innings, but he fell for 18 runs off 30 balls, further deepening Namibia’s troubles at 73 for 4.
Malan Kruger put up a resilient fight with a knock of 32 off 44 balls, but he, too, fell prey to Milind Kumar, who was excelling with the ball. Kumar’s exceptional all-round performance continued as he tore through the Namibian middle order, finishing with bowling figures of 4 for 48 in 9 overs. Harmeet Singh added two vital wickets to the tally, while Saurabh Netravalkar, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Nosthush Kenjige, and Sanjay Krishnamurthi each captured one wicket.
Despite a late push by Ruben Trumpelmann (21 runs off 17 balls) and Shaun Fouché (22 runs off 37 balls), Namibia could muster only 179 runs before being bowled out in 40.2 overs. The USA’s disciplined bowling lineup maintained control throughout the innings, with Kenjige impressively conceding only 27 runs in his 9-over spell while taking a wicket.
The USA triumphed with a commanding victory of 114 runs, largely thanks to Milind Kumar’s extraordinary contributions with both bat and ball. For his stellar all-round performance, Kumar was rightly awarded Player of the Match.
Image Source: Milind Kumar @ Instagram
