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Smit Patel and Milind Kumar Masterclass Crushes Canada by 169 Runs
USA Posts Mammoth 361 as Smit and Milind Slam Centuries
MIAMI: In a dominant show of batting strength, Team USA routed Canada by a massive 169-run margin in the latest ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 fixture at Miami. Smit Patel and Milind Kumar turned the game into a spectacle with scintillating centuries, as USA racked up a towering 361/3 in 50 overs. In response, Canada’s innings never took off and crashed to 192 all out in 46.4 overs, suffering one of their heaviest defeats in recent history.
Smit Patel Silences Critics with Maiden International Hundred
From Pressure to Poise: A Redemption Innings
After a disappointing ODI tour of Oman where Smit Patel managed only 27 runs in four games, his spot in the playing XI was under threat. But Smit responded with an innings filled with grit and elegance. Coming in early after Andries Gous fell in the third over, he gradually built momentum alongside captain Monank Patel.
Monank, who looked fluent during his 35-ball 48, kept the scoreboard ticking, allowing Smit to find his rhythm. However, his dismissal by Saad Bin Zafar left USA at a slight crossroads. But Smit stayed composed and brought up his half-century in 68 balls, then accelerated in style. His hundred came in the 39th over — a composed yet emotional moment, marked with a humble bat-raise followed by a symbolic gesture pointing to the name on his jersey, signifying a personal triumph.
Milind Kumar Ignites Final Surge with Explosive 115
A Power-Hitting Exhibition in the Final Overs
While Smit anchored the innings, Milind Kumar unleashed mayhem at the death, smacking 115 off just 67 deliveries. His innings turned brutal in the final 10 overs, especially after he launched Parveen Kumar for a six over the sight screen. From the 40th over onward, Milind and Smit plundered 131 runs in the last 60 balls, including a jaw-dropping 32 runs off the 48th over bowled by Jeremy Heyliger.
Their unbeaten 209-run stand for the 4th wicket demoralized Canada, as USA posted one of their highest ODI totals.
Read how USA built their ODI momentum from the Oman tour
Canada’s Batting Fails to Mount Any Challenge
Kenjige’s Early Strike Rattles the Top Order
Canada’s chase faltered from the beginning. In a surprise move, left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige opened the bowling and quickly sent back the in-form Navneet Dhaliwal, who played on in the sixth over. The introduction of Harmeet Singh added further problems as he dismissed Samra and Movva in quick succession.
With the score at 104/5 by the 28th over, and the required run rate climbing sharply, Canada’s defeat seemed inevitable. Only debutant Mansab Gill, with an unbeaten half-century, showed any resistance. His composed innings offered a rare glimmer of hope for the Canadians.
Standout Bowling Performance from USA
Kenjige, Harmeet Singh, and Jasdeep Singh shared wickets at crucial intervals, never allowing Canada to string together a meaningful partnership. The pressure created in the middle overs led to a flurry of dismissals and ensured USA’s comprehensive win.
What This Win Means for Team USA
This emphatic victory not only boosts USA’s net run rate but also reinforces their place as a rising force in associate cricket. With key players like Smit Patel and Milind Kumar hitting form, USA will look to carry this momentum forward in the remaining fixtures of League 2.
Explore ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 standings and fixtures on ICC Official Website
