Daijiworld Media Network - Dallas

Dallas, Oct 6: Milind Kumar became the USA's leading six-hitter in men's One-Day International cricket as his unbeaten century powered the team to a record run chase against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 on Monday.

Kumar smashed an unbeaten 116 off 84 balls, including seven fours and five sixes, at Grand Prairie Stadium. It was his fifth ODI century and helped the USA chase down the UAE's 330 for eight with seven balls to spare.

The victory marked the USA's highest successful ODI run chase, surpassing their previous best of 294 for seven against Nepal in Dallas in 2024. The chase was also the second-highest successful run chase in League 2 history.

Kumar's five sixes took his career tally to 38 in men's ODIs, making him the USA's most prolific six-hitter. He moved ahead of Monank Patel, who has 34 sixes, while Aaron Jones has 32, Saiteja Mukkamalla 28 and Steven Taylor 27.

Kumar and Shubham Ranjane, who remained unbeaten on 57, shared an unbroken 160-run partnership to guide the USA to victory.

The win lifted the USA to the top of the League 2 standings and strengthened their bid to qualify for next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The USA have already secured a place in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier through their League 2 campaign and need one more victory from their remaining matches in the tri-series to secure first place.

The team will now look to finish among the four sides qualifying for the World Cup as it seeks to make its first appearance in the 50-over tournament.