USA beat Namibia by 31 runs in T20 World Cup 2026 as Sanjay Krishnamurthi shines with blazing 68*

The United States of America secured an impressive 31-run victory over Namibia in the 26th Match of Group A at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. USA batted first and scored an impressive total of 199 runs at a run rate of 9.95 with four wickets lost in their twenty overs. USA built their innings on aggressive strokeplay and teamed with consistent partnerships put Namibia's bowlers under pressure throughout the innings. In the first six overs of their innings, USA established an aggressive tone by scoring 65 runs in the powerplay overs.

USA's captain Monank Patel led by example with his quick-fire 52 runs off 30 balls while Sanjay Krishnamurthi played the best innings of the match with an explosive 68 runs not out from just 33 balls (6 sixes). Milind Kumar provided some good support for the USA's innings, contributing 28 runs but Shubham Ranjane was explosive at the end of USA's innings. Willem Myburgh and Gerhard Erasmus each took two wickets for Namibia, but the rest of Namibia's bowlers had difficulty preventing USA's batters from scoring runs against them.

In reaction to needing 200 to win, Namibia started off on a good note by making 57 in the powerplay which kept them in the running for the win. Louren Steenkamp scored a solid 58 off of 39 balls, with Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton adding a quick 28 runs to the total. Despite both of these innings helping Namibia make good progress early on in the innings, they continued to lose wickets consistently at significant points throughout the innings causing them to lose momentum. Shadley van Schalkwyk bowled a crucial spell for Namibia taking 2 wickets, with support from Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan to keep down the run rate in the final overs of the Namibia innings.

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USA hold nerve to seal win

As the chase entered its final phase, Namibia needed a strong finish, with JJ Smit attempting to accelerate with a 31-run knock. Yet, disciplined bowling from the USA attack ensured the required rate kept climbing. Van Schalkwyk’s breakthroughs, combined with tight overs from Netravalkar, halted any late surge. Namibia eventually closed on 168 for 6 in 20 overs, falling 31 runs short despite a spirited effort.

The comprehensive victory strengthened USA’s position in Group A and showcased their batting depth and bowling composure. Posting 199 on the board proved decisive, as the pressure of a steep target forced Namibia into risky strokes. With both bat and ball clicking in unison, the United States demonstrated growing confidence and balance in their campaign, underlining their potential to challenge stronger sides as the tournament progresses.

Top Performances

Sanjay Krishnamurthi starred with a scintillating unbeaten 68 off 33 balls, powering USA to a daunting total. Captain Monank Patel set the tone with a brisk 52 at the top, while Shadley van Schalkwyk impressed with the ball, claiming two crucial wickets. For Namibia, Louren Steenkamp’s fighting 58 and JJ Smit’s 31 kept hopes alive, but their efforts ultimately fell short against a disciplined American attack.

Key Moments

USA’s explosive powerplay of 65 runs laid the platform for a massive 199/4. The 87-run stand between Krishnamurthi and Milind Kumar shifted momentum firmly in USA’s favour. In reply, Namibia’s strong start was undone by timely strikes from van Schalkwyk and tight death overs from Saurabh Netravalkar, which stalled the chase at key intervals and sealed the result.

Brief Score
USA – 199/4 (20 overs) | Sanjay Krishnamurthi 68* (33), Monank Patel 52 (30)
Namibia – 168/6 (20 overs) | Louren Steenkamp 58 (39)
USA won by 31 runs