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May 15, 2026
8:35 AM
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Scotland Beat USA by 2 Runs in a Thrilling DLS Finish as Saiteja Mukkamalla’s Century Goes in Vain
Scotland pulled off one of their most dramatic wins in the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two 2023-27, defeating the United States of America by just 2 runs via the DLS method at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Nepal.
For most of the chase, USA looked firmly in control. Smit Patel gave them a flying start, and Saiteja Mukkamalla played the innings of his life with a stunning century. But cricket has a funny way of changing direction in just a few deliveries.
That is exactly what happened here.
Scotland Post a Strong 321/6 in 47 Overs
After being asked to bat first, Scotland made full use of the conditions and posted a commanding 321/6 in 47 overs.
The top order laid the platform, and the middle order accelerated beautifully in the final overs. The finishing touch came from Michael Leask and Mark Watt, who attacked the USA bowlers with complete freedom.
In the last over alone, Scotland smashed 22 runs, pushing the total beyond 320 and giving themselves a very competitive score.
Brandon McMullen once again showed why he is Scotland’s most dependable all-rounder. He contributed with the bat and later made an even bigger impact with the ball.
USA Begin the Chase Aggressively
Chasing 322, USA came out with positive intent.
Smit Patel looked superb from the start. He was timing the ball cleanly and finding boundaries regularly. His 72 off 56 balls gave USA the ideal platform and kept the required rate under control.
Even after early wickets, the chase never seemed out of reach.
Monank Patel added useful runs, and then Saiteja Mukkamalla took over.
Saiteja Mukkamalla Plays a Brilliant Century
Saiteja Mukkamalla produced one of the best innings of his ODI career.
He mixed patience with aggression perfectly. Early in his innings, he focused on rotating strike and settling in. Once he got comfortable, he started attacking the spinners and medium pacers with confidence.
His century came off just 72 balls and included:
5 fours
8 sixes
The way he handled pressure was impressive. He kept USA in the contest and looked set to guide them to a memorable victory.
At one stage, the match seemed to be slipping away from Scotland.
Rain Changes the Equation
Rain interrupted play after 26.6 overs with USA on 160/4.
When the match resumed, the innings was reduced to 32 overs, and USA’s revised DLS target was set at 249.
That meant they needed 89 runs from 31 balls.
It was a steep target, but with Mukkamalla batting so well, USA still had a genuine chance. Fans following the action on platforms like Go Exchange Id were treated to one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament.
Mukkamalla’s Counterattack Brings USA Back
What followed was extraordinary.
Mukkamalla launched a fearless assault, taking apart the Scotland bowlers with a series of sixes and boundaries.
He targeted Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif, and Oliver Davidson, bringing the equation down rapidly.
USA scored:
19 runs in the 28th over
16 runs in the 29th over
25 runs in the 30th over
Suddenly, the impossible started to look possible.
With 16 needed from the final over and Mukkamalla set on 104, USA were right back in the game.
Brandon McMullen Delivers Under Pressure
Scotland handed the ball to Brandon McMullen for the final over.
The over began with a wide, which immediately increased the tension.
Then came the turning point.
McMullen dismissed Saiteja Mukkamalla for 104 off 75 balls. It was the wicket Scotland desperately needed.
Jasdeep Singh struck a boundary but fell soon after. Mohammad Mohsin hit a few late boundaries, but USA finished on 246/8.
They were just 2 runs short of the DLS target.
Player of the Match: Brandon McMullen
Brandon McMullen was named Player of the Match, and deservedly so.
He contributed significantly with the bat and then held his nerve in the most pressure-filled over of the match.
His final bowling figures were 6 overs, 40 runs, and 2 wickets, including the crucial wicket of Mukkamalla.
USA Take Positives Despite the Loss
There will be disappointment in the USA camp, but there were plenty of encouraging signs.
Saiteja Mukkamalla announced himself with a world-class century, while Smit Patel provided a strong start with 72.
For long periods, USA looked like the better side.
They fell short, but only just.
Final Thoughts
This was one of those matches that reminded everyone why ODI cricket remains so compelling.
A huge first-innings total, a rain interruption, a revised DLS target, a brilliant century, and a nerveless final over.
Scotland held their composure when it mattered most, while USA showed they are capable of challenging strong Associate teams consistently.
For fans, it was a thriller from start to finish.
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