Milind claims new record as USA script history in Dallas

Milind Kumar's fifth ODI century helps USA move to the top of the League 2 standings with an impressive win over the UAE.

GettyImages-2260400236

Experienced batter Milind Kumar became the USA's most prolific six hitter in men's ODI cricket as he helped propel his side to a record-breaking run chase against the UAE in ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 action in Dallas on Monday.

Milind smashed his fifth ODI century when amassing an unbeaten 116 from just 84 deliveries at Grand Prairie Stadium, as the USA registered their highest-ever run chase in ODI history and the second largest in the League 2 competition with an emphatic six-wicket triumph over UAE.

Milind Kumar deposits on the leg-side | Sobha POTD | 15 February

Milind Kumar moves and deposits it into the background.

It helped move the USA to the top of the League 2 standings as the side look to qualify for next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with the side now requiring just one more victory from their remaining fixtures across this tri-series to ensure they finish first.

USA have already qualified for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier courtesy of their strong form in League 2, where the side will be aiming to be one of four teams to earn a spot at next year's tournament.

Nepal v USA | Match Highlights | ICC Men's CWC League 2

Watch the highlights as Nepal beat USA by 122 runs at the ICC Men's CWC League 2, 2023-27.

And the USA will fancy their chances of reaching the 50-over World Cup for the very first time if Milind can continue his rich vein of form, after the explosive right-hander smashed five sixes during his knock against the UAE to overtake Monank Patel with the most sixes for the side in ODI cricket.

Most sixes in Men's ODIs - USA

PLAYER SIXES
Milind Kumar 38
Monank Patel 34
Aaron Jones 32
Saiteja Mukkamalla 28
Steven Taylor 27

Milind and Shubham Ranjane (57*) put on an unbeaten stand of 160 to help USA chase down UAE's lofty total of 330/8 with seven deliveries remaining as the side clinched the second-largest run chase in the history of the League 2 competition.

It was also the USA's biggest run chase of all time, eclipsing the 294/7 against Nepal - also in Dallas - back in 2024.

The USA will be back in action on Wednesday when they take on Namibia in Dallas, while the UAE have to wait until Friday until they get their next opportunity when they also play against Namibia.