T20 World Cup: West Indies race to victory to reach Super 8s as USA wins to stay in contention

Sanjay Krishnamurthy impressed with the bat as the USA edged past Namibia by 31 runs to remain in the hunt for a spot in the Super 8s after registering a second group stage win.

The result means the USA are still in mathematical contention for the Super 8s tournament, but will need one loss from India and Pakistan in their remaining two matches and their net run rate to swing.

But Namibia exited the tournament after failing to win any of its three group stage matches.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the USA looked to build on their impressive result over the Netherlands last time out, knowing that anything but a win at Chipauk Stadium in Chennai would lead to elimination.

Captain Monank Patel’s brilliant knock of 52 off 30 balls ensured they got off to a flying start, while Krishnamurthy’s unbeaten 68 off 33 helped them to 199-4.

The USA took the lead with brave batting from the start, scoring 68 runs from 6.5 overs before WB Myburgh dismissed Namibian Shayan Jahangir for 22.

Namibia was the architect of its downfall in the tournament, as it wasted three chances to dismiss Monank and Krishnamurthy.

Their impressive knock, which saw Krishnamurthy claim his second T20 international half-century, included nine sixes and seven fours.

Although the chase of 200 was too much for Namibia, who needed 103 at midway point and 47 in the last 10 balls, Lauren Steenkamp made 58 off 39 in a solid outing and JJ Smit scored 31 off 23.

Shadley van Schalkwyk found more joy with the ball in hand for the United States, adding goals from Namibia’s opener Jan Vrielinck and captain Gerhard Erasmus to take his tally to 13 in this year’s tournament.