Half-centuries from Monank Patel and Sanjay Krishnamurthi fired USA to 199 for 4 and a decisive 31-run win over Namibia in Chennai, keeping their Super Eights hopes alive while boosting their net run rate.
After choosing to bat, USA were handed an early reprieve when Monank was dropped before scoring. He made Namibia pay with a blistering 27-ball fifty, becoming the first USA batter to pass 1000 T20I runs in the process. His powerplay assault lifted USA to 65 without loss, setting the platform for a big total.
Namibia clawed back through Willem Myburgh (2 for 22), who slowed the scoring and removed key batters as USA slipped to 103 for 3. But a counterattacking 87-run stand off just 47 balls between Krishnamurthi and Milind Kumar swung momentum decisively. Krishnamurthi electrified the crowd with a 23-ball maiden T20I fifty, smashing four fours and six sixes as USA plundered 83 runs in the final six overs.
In reply, Namibia were powered early by Louren Steenkamp, whose 33-ball 58 kept the chase on track. He dominated an opening stand of 54 and continued to find boundaries against both pace and spin. However, regular wickets and a rising required rate stalled the push.
Shadley van Schalkwyk (2 for 30) struck crucial blows, including the dismissal of captain Gerhard Erasmus, as USA’s seamers tightened the screws at the death. With 15 an over required late on, Namibia finished on 168 for 6.
USA’s campaign is complete, but this emphatic win leaves them firmly in contention, dependent now on results elsewhere in Group A.