USA cricket team celebrates a historic T20I series victory over Bangladesh. © Twitter (@ICC)
The United States cricket team achieved a monumental feat by securing a T20I series win against Bangladesh, a top-ten T20I side, with a thrilling six-run victory in the second match at the Prairie View Cricket Complex in Texas. This landmark series win, culminating in a 2-0 lead, is a significant boost for the USA team as they gear up to co-host the T20 World Cup.
Match Summary
United States of America 144/6 (20) | |
| Monank Patel 42 (38) | Rishad Hossain |
| Aaron Jones 35 (34) | Shoriful Islam |
| Steven Taylor 31 (28) | Mustafizur Rahman |
Bangladesh 138 (19.3) | |
| Najmul Hossain Shanto 36 (34) | Ali Khan |
| Shakib Al Hasan 30 (23) | Saurabh Netravalkar |
| Towhid Hridoy 25 (21) | Shadley van Schalkwyk |
Toss: BAN won the toss and elected to bowl
Stadium: Prairie View Cricket Complex
Result: USA won by 6 runs
Player of the Match: Ali Khan (USA) – 3/25 (3.3)
USA Innings
The USA Opted to bat first after losing the toss and posted a competitive 144 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Monank Patel top-scored with a steady 42 off 38 balls, while his deputy Aaron Jones added a crucial 35 off 34 balls. Steven Taylor provided an early boost with a brisk 31 off 28 balls.
The Bangladesh bowlers performed efficiently, with Rishad Hossain leading the attack with figures of 2 for 21. Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam also chipped in with two wickets each, restricting USA to a modest total.
Bangladesh’s Chasex
Bangladesh’s pursuit of 145 was rocky, and it lost two early wickets in the powerplay. Saurabh Netravalkar struck first, dismissing Soumya Sarkar, while Jessy Singh removed Tanzid Hasan shortly after.
A promising 48-run partnership between captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (36 off 34) and Towhid Hridoy (25 off 21) revived Bangladesh’s hopes. However, a mix-up led to Shanto’s run-out, and Corey Anderson bowled Hridoy, leaving Bangladesh in a precarious position.
Ali Khan’s Heroics
The turning point came in the 18th over when Ali Khan dismissed Shakib Al Hasan, who was poised to take Bangladesh home. Khan followed up with the wicket of Tanzim Hasan, reducing Bangladesh to 138 all out. His superb death bowling earned him figures of 3 for 25, securing the match and the series for USA.
Also Read: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Warm-up Fixtures Announced
Key Moments
- Early Breakthrough: Netravalkar’s early strike set the tone, putting Bangladesh on the back foot.
- Middle-Order Resilience: Monank Patel and Aaron Jones’ crucial stand kept USA’s innings afloat.
- Shanto-Hridoy Partnership: Bangladesh’s hopes were rekindled with a solid partnership, but it was short-lived.
- Ali Khan’s Death Bowling: Khan’s decisive late-over spell ensured a narrow victory for the USA.
This series win is a historic achievement for USA Cricket, marking their first series victory over a top-ten T20I team. It provides immense confidence as they prepare for the T20 World Cup. For Bangladesh, the loss is a significant setback, exposing vulnerabilities that need addressing before the World Cup.
The victory has boosted the USA’s morale and showcased their growing prowess in international cricket. With the World Cup on the horizon, this series win positions the USA as a competitive side ready to challenge higher-ranked teams on the global stage.
Stay linked for more updates and in-depth analysis as we head into the T20 World Cup season. Follow on our blog and social media channels for comprehensive coverage of all cricketing action.
