The Netherlands were comprehensively outplayed by USA, falling 93 runs short in a chase of 197 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, despite Bas de Leede producing a fighting all-round display with 3 for 37 and 23 off 17, on a day where spinners were the decisive factor.

Off the back of a great win against Namibia in New Delhi, this time around Scott Edwards’ side were unable to capitalise on winning the toss and electing to field. A strong USA batting effort, followed by a clinical display from their spinners, exposed the gaps in the Dutch performance and left them needing a significant response in the group.

Edwards committed to the conditions, mixing pace and spin from the outset. Aryan Dutt and Logan van Beek applied early pressure, and Kyle Klein claimed Shayan Jahangir for 20 in the third over. Monank Patel and Saiteja Mukkamalla then built steadily, the latter reaching a 30-ball half-century. Bas de Leede’s variations brought the key wicket of Patel (36) and later the huge wicket of Mukkamalla 79 (51).

Brief moments of control came when de Leede struck twice more in the death overs, but Shubham Ranjane’s explosive 48* off just 24 balls took the game away. The last four overs yielded 58 runs and USA finished on 196 for 6, and the Netherlands were left with a record chase in this World Cup campaign.

The required rate started at 9.85 and only climbed. Michael Levitt fell in the second over to Nosthush Kenjige, and Max O’Dowd (13) was caught pulling Harmeet Singh in the powerplay. Harmeet then ran through the middle order: Colin Ackermann for a golden duck and POTM last game, de Leede caught at cover for 23, with Edwards (20) bowled attempting to attack the ball.

Shadley van Schalkwyk (3 for 21) and Mohammad Mohsin (2 for 19) mopped up the tail as the Netherlands lost their last five wickets for 28 runs, slumping to 103 all out in 15.5 overs.

USA’s first-ever T20I win over the Netherlands was built on Mukkamalla’s classy 79, Ranjane’s late fireworks and a four-wicket haul from Harmeet 4-21. For the Dutch, de Leede’s all-round contribution was the lone bright spot on a pitch that offered turn and variable bounce to the spinners who exploited it best.

The result leaves Oranje in a tough position as the group stage continues and their fate lies out of their own hands. The Dutch now have a lengthy break before they take on World Champions, India on Wednesday, 18 Feb in Ahmedabad.