Chennai, February 13 Saiteja Mukkamalla provided the impetus with an innings of 79 off 51 balls before Shubham Ranjane's late flourish ensured a competitive 196 for 6 for the United States against Netherlands in a T20 World Cup group league match here on Friday.
Mukkamalla added 55 for the second wicket with captain Monank Patel (36) and another 54 for the fourth wicket with former Mumbai all-rounder Ranjane (48 batting, 24 balls), who effectively used the long handle to bring the team total close to 200.
Mukkamalla, a former Karnataka age-group player, hit five fours and four sixes. His hitting on the off-side, including maximums over the covers, was particularly impressive. His driving was excellent, while Ranjane punished the short-ball tactics employed by the Netherlands bowlers towards the end.
