USA won the toss and chose to bat in this Group A match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on February 15, 2026. This was a crucial game for both teams, with USA looking to keep their Super 8 hopes alive and Namibia searching for their first win.
USA, captained by Monank Patel, posted a massive 199 for 4 with Sanjay Krishnamurthi hitting 68 off 33 balls. Namibia, led by Gerhard Erasmus, could only manage 168 for 6 despite Louren Steenkamp’s fighting 58. USA won by 31 runs to secure their second tournament win.
Match Summary
USA dominated the match from start to finish at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. After winning the toss and batting first, they posted their highest-ever ICC T20 World Cup total of 199 for 4 in 20 overs.
Namibia fought hard in their chase but fell short, finishing on 168 for 6. USA won by 31 runs to keep their Super 8 qualification hopes alive.
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 199/4 | 20.0 |
| Namibia | 168/6 | 20.0 |
Monank Patel & Aaron Jones Give USA a Flying Start
USA began aggressively as Monank Patel and Aaron Jones attacked from the first over. The Powerplay produced quick runs, with USA racing to 65/0 in 6 overs. Namibia fought back through spin, removing Jones and another batter in quick succession.
Monank held the innings together and also became the first USA batter to reach 1000 T20I runs, scoring a steady 52.
Krishnamurthi’s Blitz Powers USA to 199
The momentum shifted dramatically when Sanjay Krishnamurthi arrived. He smashed a 23-ball fifty and hammered 26 runs in one over against Trumpelmann. His unbeaten 68 off 33 balls lifted USA to 199/4 — their highest T20 World Cup total.
Top Batting Performances
| Batter | Team | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanjay Krishnamurthi | USA | 68* | 33 | 5 | 5 |
| Louren Steenkamp | Namibia | 58 | 33 | 5 | 3 |
| Monank Patel | USA | 52 | 38 | 6 | 1 |
| Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton | Namibia | 28 | 24 | 2 | 1 |
| Aaron Jones | USA | 25 | 18 | 3 | 1 |
Steenkamp Keeps Namibia in the Chase
Namibia started strongly through Louren Steenkamp, reaching 57/1 in the Powerplay. He scored a quick 58 off 33 balls, but his dismissal changed the game’s momentum.
USA Bowlers Seal the Win
After Steenkamp fell, USA tightened control. Shadley van Schalkwyk took key wickets, while the required rate kept rising. Namibia managed only 168/6, falling 31 runs short.
Top Bowling Performances
| Bowler | Team | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shadley van Schalkwyk | USA | 4.0 | 30 | 2 | 7.50 |
| Saurabh Netravalkar | USA | 4.0 | 35 | 1 | 8.75 |
| Jasdeep Singh | USA | 4.0 | 38 | 1 | 9.50 |
| Nosthush Kenjige | USA | 4.0 | 32 | 1 | 8.00 |
| Ruben Trumpelmann | Namibia | 4.0 | 52 | 1 | 13.00 |
Player of the Match: Sanjay Krishnamurthi (68* off 33)
USA finished the group stage with two wins and stayed in contention for the Super 8s, while Namibia exited without a victory.
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Strong Finish Keeps USA’s Hopes Alive
USA sealed a convincing 31-run win with a complete team effort. Krishnamurthi’s late assault and disciplined bowling ensured Namibia never recovered after a solid start. The victory strengthens USA’s Super 8 chances, while Namibia exit after a spirited but inconsistent campaign.
