Chennai, February 15 – The USA won the toss and chose to bat against Namibia in their final group stage match of the 2026 T20 World Cup, held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.
The USA has made one change to the team, with Saurabh Netravalkar replacing Nosthush Keninge. Dylan Leicher and Willem Myburgh replace Malan Kruger and Ben Shikongo in Namibia's lineup.
After winning the toss, USA captain Monank Patel said, "We're batting first. The pitch is very different compared to the match against the Netherlands, as it's a red soil pitch. We did well batting first against the Netherlands, so we want to maintain that momentum and aim for a good score. We have one change. Saurabh will replace Nosthush. I believe this pitch is better than the one we played on against the Netherlands, and I think it should provide good bounce. We also expect more from the later part of the match."
Namibia captain Gerald Erasmus said, "We lost the toss, but I don't think it's a major concern on this particular pitch. I just need to accept it. I think the longer grass on the pitch today will help us. Hopefully, both the middle and lower parts of the pitch will also favour us."
He added, "Yes, we have two changes. Leicher will replace Kruger, and Myburgh will play instead of Shikongo, who is injured. We are looking for a more balanced team. He is a strong hitter and a good fielder, and he gives us the option to play overseas."
Playing XIs:
USA: Monank Patel (c), Shayan Jahangir (wk), Saiteja Mukkamalla, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ehsan Adil, Saurabh Netravalkar
Namibia: Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Dylan Leicher, Ruben Trumpelmann, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, Max Heingo
