Saiteja Mukkamalla’s Quickfire Fifty Leads USA to a Crucial Win in T20I Tri-Series
VOORBURG — USA continued their dominance in the T20I Tri-series, clinching a 20-run victory against Canada at VCC Voorburg. A brilliant half-century from Saiteja Mukkamalla (52 off 27 balls) and a well-rounded bowling performance helped the USA maintain their winning streak and keep their hopes alive in the series.
USA posted a competitive total of 168/6 in their 20 overs, thanks to Mukkamalla’s aggressive innings at the top. In response, Canada struggled to build momentum despite a valiant effort from Dilpreet Bajwa (56 off 41 balls) and Shreyas Movva (37 off 30 balls). USA’s spinners, particularly Nosthush Kenjige (2/22) and Aaron Jones (2/8), played crucial roles in stifling the Canadian chase, eventually restricting them to 148/7.
USA got off to a solid start with Saiteja Mukkamalla leading the charge with a quickfire 52. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, useful contributions from Harmeet Singh (24 off 15) and Shadley Van Schalkwyk (15* off 7) ensured they reached 168/6.
Canada’s chase began poorly, losing Aaron Johnson for a duck. Dilpreet Bajwa and Shreyas Movva steadied the innings with a 68-run partnership, but the pressure from USA’s bowlers proved too much. Aaron Jones and Nosthush Kenjige’s economical spells derailed the chase, and Canada finished 20 runs short.
Key Moments:
- Saiteja Mukkamalla’s Fifty: Mukkamalla’s explosive knock set the tone for USA’s innings.
- USA’s Spin Duo: Aaron Jones and Nosthush Kenjige choked the middle overs, taking key wickets to dismantle Canada’s chase.
Brief Scores:
USA: 168/6 in 20 overs (Saiteja Mukkamalla 52, Harmeet Singh 24; Saad Bin Zafar 3/25)
Canada: 148/7 in 20 overs (Dilpreet Bajwa 56, Shreyas Movva 37; Nosthush Kenjige 2/22)
Result: USA beat Canada by 20 runs.
Player of the Match: Saiteja Mukkamalla (USA) – 52 off 27 balls.
