Milind Kumar smashed an unbeaten century and set a new USA ODI record for sixes as the United States produced a historic run chase against the UAE in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 in Dallas.
Experienced batter Milind Kumar delivered a sensational performance at Grand Prairie Stadium on Monday, scoring an unbeaten 116 off just 84 balls to inspire the USA to a record-breaking six-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates.
Chasing 331 for victory, the USA reached their target with seven balls to spare, completing the biggest successful run chase in their ODI history. It was also the second-highest chase ever recorded in the Cricket World Cup League 2.
Milind struck five sixes during his explosive innings, taking his tally of ODI sixes for the USA past former captain Monank Patel. The performance further underlined his importance to an American side chasing qualification for next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The USA appeared in control throughout their chase after Milind combined with Shubham Ranjane for an unbeaten partnership of 160 runs. Ranjane contributed a composed 57 not out as the pair guided their team over the line.
The result surpassed the USA’s previous highest ODI chase of 294/7, achieved against Nepal in Dallas in 2024.
USA Move to Top of League 2
The victory also lifted the USA to the top of the Cricket World Cup League 2 standings as they continue their campaign for a place at the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The Americans need just one more win from their remaining matches in the ongoing tri-series to guarantee a first-place finish in League 2.
The USA have already secured qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier through their strong League 2 campaign. They will now be hoping to progress from the Qualifier and reach the 50-over World Cup for the first time.
Milind’s current form could prove crucial to those ambitions.
The right-hander’s fifth ODI century, combined with his record-breaking six-hitting, provided another reminder of his ability to change games at the top level.
The USA return to action on Wednesday when they face Namibia in Dallas. The UAE will meet Namibia on Friday as the tri-series continues.
