Chennai, February 13 Saiteja Mukkamalla smashed a fine half-century and partnered effectively with captain Monank Patel as the United States posted a competitive 196 for 6 against the Netherlands in a T20 World Cup match here on Friday.
Mukkamalla's 79 off 51 balls featured five boundaries and four sixes. He also shared a 55-run partnership for the second wicket with opener Monank Patel (36 off 22 balls), giving the team a good start.
Once Patel was dismissed and the USA slipped to 82/2, 21-year-old Mukkamalla took over, scoring aggressively and with purpose, keeping the innings alive as the team looked to recover after losing their first two matches in the tournament.
Shubham Ranjane then finished the innings in style, scoring an unbeaten 48 off 24 balls, adding the late fireworks that gave the USA a healthy total.
Netherlands' pace spearhead Bas de Leede took three wickets, including that of Mukkamalla.
Earlier, Netherlands captain Scott Edwards won the toss and opted to bowl.
Brief scores: USA 196 for 6 in 20 overs (Monank Patel 36, Saiteja Mukkamalla 79, Shubham Ranjane 48 not out; Bas de Leede 3/37).
