The United States cricket team moved a significant step closer to securing a spot in the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup by defeating Nepal in a thrilling encounter at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas on November 2. This crucial win not only earned the USA 2 valuable points but also propelled them ahead of Canada in the Cricket World Cup League 2 standings.
Before the match, Canada topped the points table with 16 points from 12 games, while the USA trailed closely with 14 points from 11 matches. The victory against Nepal, by a commanding 37-run margin, saw the USA’s net run rate soar to +0.428, surpassing Canada’s +0.292 and leveling both teams on 16 points.
The match saw Nepal win the toss and opt to field first. The USA got off to a solid start, with Monank Patel setting the tone for a competitive total. Despite losing Shayan Jehangir cheaply, Captain Monank Patel played a key role, scoring 67 runs before being dismissed. Middle-order contributions from Saiteja Mukkamalla (75) and a quickfire 59 from Harmeet Singh, including three sixes, helped push the USA total to 281/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
In reply, Nepal’s chase faltered early with the loss of opener Aasif Sheikh. Despite solid efforts from Anil Shah (52), Kushal Bhurtel (29), and Dipendra Singh Airee (31), Nepal was never truly in the race. Sompal Kami's late flurry of 46 runs off just 27 balls showed promise, but it was too little, too late. The USA bowlers, especially Saurabh Netravalkar, who claimed 4 wickets for 47 runs, ensured that Nepal fell short by 37 runs.
With this victory, the USA, alongside Canada, Scotland, and the Netherlands, has secured a spot in the next stage of the World Cup qualifiers. The road to the 2027 Cricket World Cup is now clearer, as the top 4 teams from this qualifier round will earn their place in the tournament, to be co-hosted by South Africa and Zimbabwe.
