Sanjay Krishnamurthi starred with the bat as the United States skipped past Namibia by 31 runs to stay in the hunt for a Super 8s spot after claiming their second group-stage victory.
The result means the USA are still mathematically in contention for the Super 8s, but will need one of India and Pakistan to lose both of their remaining matches and a net run-rate swing.
Namibia, however, are out of the tournament after failing to win any of their three group-stage fixtures.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the USA looked to build on their impressive result over the Netherlands last time out, knowing anything but a win at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium would result in elimination.
Captain Monank Patel’s impressive knock of 52 from 30 balls ensured they made a flying start, while Krishnamurthi’s unbeaten 68 off 33 helped them up to an impressive 199-4.
The USA took command through brave hitting from the outset, with their openers posting 68 runs off 6.5 overs before Namibia’s WP Myburgh dismissed Shayan Jahangir for 22.
Namibia were the architects of their own downfall in the field, though, having dropped three opportunities to dismiss Monank and Krishnamurthi.
Their fantastic knocks, which saw Krishnamurthi get his second T20 international half-century, featured nine sixes and seven fours.
Although the chase of 200 proved too much for Namibia, who needed 103 at the halfway mark and 47 going into their last 10 balls, Louren Steenkamp made 58 off 39 in a solid outing and JJ Smit hit a promising 31 off 23.
Shadley van Schalkwyk found yet more joy with the ball in hand for the USA, adding the wickets of Namibia opener Jan Frylinck and captain Gerhard Erasmus to take his tally to 13 at this year’s tournament.