Former India all-rounder smashes 32 runs in an over enroute 60-ball ODI ton, Gujarat-born batter scores unbeaten 152 as USA beat Canada by 169 runs

In a run fest at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida, hosts USA beat Canada by 169 runs in ICC Cricket World Cup League Two 2023-27 fixture. There were plenty of Indian-origin cricketers on both sides but Smit Patel and Milind Kumar stood out as they scored centuries to help USA post 361/3. While opener Smit Patel scored an unbeaten 152, Milind went berserk and smashed 32 runs in an over to reach his second ODI ton from just 60 deliveries.

Earlier, USA skipper Monank Patel won the toss and opted to bat first. Andries Gous departed early for a single-digit score. Kaleem Sana took his wicket. Monank and Smit shared a 78-run partnership for the second wicket. Moman missed his half-century as he was dismissed lbw for a 44-ball 47 by Saad Bin Zafar. Smit reached his half-century from 69 balls in the 27th over of the innings. Zafar got his second wicket as Saiteja Mukkamalla returned to the pavillion after a 45-ball 30.

Brutal onslaught from Smit and Milind

In the 39th over, Smit reached his century from 110 balls. As the slog overs approached Milind and Smit accelerated. In the 45th over, Milind reached his fifty from 44 balls. It was in the 48th over bowled by Dilon Heliger, Milind went berserk. He started with a four followed by four consecutive sixes. He finished the over with a boundary as USA advanced towards a daunting total. In the penultimate over, he reached his century from 60 balls. USA posted 361/3 as Smit and Milind shared an unbeaten 208-run partnership for the fourth wicket from 125 balls. This is their highest ODI total.

Milind equals Sehwag's feat

Milind's 60-ball century is the fastest for USA in ODIs. The previous fastest belonged to Shayan Jahangir who scored a 79-ball 100 against Nepal in Harare in 2023. Milind also scored the joint second-fastest ODI century by an Indian-born batter. While the record for fastest ODI century by an Indian batter belongs to Virat Kohli from just 52 balls against Australia in 2013, the second on the list is Virender Sehwag who reached the three figures from 60 balls against New Zealand in 2009.

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Canada collapse

In the run chase, Canada did not get off to an ideal start as captain navneet Dhaliwal fell for just nine runs from 19 balls to Nsthush Kenjige. Opener Yuvraj Samra tried to get the run chase back on track. In the 19th over, he was dismissed by Harmeet Singh. After Yuvraj's wicket, Canada suffered a collapse and found themselves struggling for 104/5 after 28 overs. Mansab Gill scored an unbeaten 69-ball 54 while wickets fell on the other end. Milind got rid of two tailenders as Canada were bowled out for 192 in 46.2 overs.