Two associate nations clash in a pivotal Group A fixture when the United States takes on the Netherlands at Chennai’s iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. With a World Cup berth on the line, both teams will be eager to collect crucial points in this Friday night showdown.
The Dutch enter as favorites, boasting a perfect 3-0 record against the Americans in T20 internationals. USA captain Monank Patel faces the challenge of reversing that trend on a surface known for rewarding slow bowlers, a factor that could prove decisive under the Chennai lights.
Match Details at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Fixture | USA vs Netherlands (Match 21, Group A) |
| Competition | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date & Time | Friday, February 13, 2026 – 7:00 PM IST / 1:30 PM GMT |
| Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
Head-to-Head Record: Netherlands Dominates
The historical record heavily favors the European side.
- Matches Played: 3
- Netherlands Wins: 3
- USA Wins: 0
Chennai Pitch Report: What to Expect at Chepauk
The MA Chidambaram Stadium presents a unique challenge for batters as the match progresses.
Surface Characteristics
The Chepauk wicket typically plays dry and slow. Cracks develop as the game advances, providing increasing assistance to spin bowlers. Early overs offer the best opportunity to make strokes before the pitch deteriorates.
Bowling Conditions
- Spinners: Expect significant turn, particularly during middle and death overs
- Pacers: Limited assistance; may extract some movement with the new ball
Ground Dimensions
- Square boundaries: ~65 meters
- Straight boundaries: ~68 meters
Scoring Trends
The average first-innings score in T20Is at this venue sits around 152 runs—a total that has often proved defendable.
Toss Advantage
Captains typically prefer chasing at Chepauk. Evening dew reduces grip for spinners, making the second innings marginally easier for batting.
Weather Forecast for February 13
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 28°C |
| Sky | Partly sunny |
| Rain Probability | 10% |
| Humidity | 66% |
| Wind Speed | 18 km/h |
Dry conditions should enhance spin later in the match. Moderate humidity may assist swing bowlers early.
Squad Lists for Both Teams
USA Squad
- Captain & Wicketkeeper: Monank Patel
- Batters: Andries Gous, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Shehan Jayasuriya
- All-Rounders: Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Shubham Ranjane
- Bowlers: Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Jessy Singh
Netherlands Squad
- Captain & Wicketkeeper: Scott Edwards
- Batters: Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Noah Croes
- All-Rounders: Bas de Leede, Roelof van der Merwe, Saqib Zulfiqar
- Bowlers: Fred Klaassen, Timm van der Gugten, Paul van Meekeren, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt
Key Players to watch
USA’s Match-Winners
| Player | Role | T20I Record |
|---|---|---|
| Monank Patel | Batter/WK | 923 runs in 45 matches (avg: 26.37) |
| Saurabh Netravalkar | Left-arm Pacer | 41 wickets in 43 matches (econ: 7.20) |
| Nosthush Kenjige | Spinner | 21 wickets in 23 matches (econ: 7.55) |
Netherlands’ Danger Men
| Player | Role | T20I Record |
|---|---|---|
| Max O’Dowd | Opening Batter | 2,321 runs in 89 matches (avg: 29.37) |
| Bas de Leede | All-Rounder | 825 runs & 41 wickets in 47 matches |
| Roelof van der Merwe | Spin All-Rounder | 75 wickets in 69 matches (econ: 6.52) |
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Match Prediction
The Netherlands enters as marginal favorites, and rightfully so. Their unblemished record against the USA, combined with experienced campaigners like Max O’Dowd and the versatile Bas de Leede, gives them a psychological edge.
However, Chennai’s spin-friendly conditions could level the playing field. USA’s Nosthush Kenjige and Harmeet Singh have the skills to exploit a deteriorating surface, while the Dutch counter with the crafty Roelof van der Merwe.
Prediction: Expect a tightly contested affair. The team winning the toss and electing to field second may hold a slight advantage due to dew. Netherlands remains the likely winner, but don’t count out an upset from an improving American side.
