Milind Kumar century powers USA to thrilling chase

MILIND KUMAR struck a magnificent unbeaten century as the United States chased down 331 to beat the United Arab Emirates by six wickets in a high-scoring thriller.

UAE appeared to have posted a formidable total after making 330 for eight from their 50 overs, with Muhammad Shahdad leading the way with a superb 114 from 107 balls.

Tanish Suri had earlier provided the platform with a run-a-ball 78, striking 10 fours and two sixes, while Adeeb Usmani made 36. Shahdad then took control through the middle overs, hitting nine fours and three sixes.

Harpreet Singh contributed 24 before Basil Hameed provided late impetus with an unbeaten 24 from only 11 deliveries, including three sixes.

Harmeet Singh was the pick of the USA attack with four for 65, including three wickets during the closing five overs.

The American chase suffered some early setbacks, Smit Patel making a brisk 27 before Shehan Jayasuriya fell for nine.

Captain Monank Patel steadied matters with 55, while Saiteja Mukkamalla’s 56 kept the required rate within reach.

At 172 for four in the 31st over, however, UAE remained favourites.

Milind then produced the decisive innings.

He shared an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 160 with Shubham Ranjane as the pair dismantled the UAE attack and turned what had looked a demanding chase into a superbly controlled pursuit.

Milind finished unbeaten on 116 from 84 balls, striking seven fours and five sixes, while Ranjane provided excellent support with an unbeaten 57 from 49 deliveries.

The winning runs arrived with seven balls remaining as USA reached their target in the penultimate over, completing a memorable six-wicket victory after one of their most impressive batting displays.