Dallas (USA): Indian-origin Gujarati pilot Smit Machhar, who has become the talk of the town after reportedly saving the lives of 174 Israelis from a possible terrorist plane crash, is currently making headlines around the world. Meanwhile, a cricketer with a similar name also grabbed attention on Wednesday by playing a major role in helping the United States win a match in a cricket tournament.
Gujarati cricketer Smit Patel contributed to the USA’s victory over Namibia in two significant ways. The wicketkeeper first took an excellent catch to dismiss Namibia’s No. 3 batter Jan Frylinck, who scored four runs, during the ICC World Cup League 2 match. He then scored a valuable 50 runs off 62 balls, including two sixes and four fours. Smit also shared a crucial 96-run opening partnership with captain Monank Patel, who smashed 108 runs off 100 balls with 14 fours. Had Smit not built that important partnership with Monank, the USA could have ended up on the losing side.
Namibia posted 298 for 9 in 50 overs in the ODI, but the USA chased down the target by scoring 299 for 6 in 48.5 overs to clinch a thrilling victory. Apart from Smit Patel’s 50 and Monank Patel’s magnificent 108, Shehan Jayasuriya’s 74 also played a major role in the USA’s win.
A total of 597 runs were scored in the match, making it the highest aggregate in a match between the USA and Namibia.