In a historic turn of events, the USA cricket team stunned Bangladesh for the second time in as many games, securing their maiden T20I series victory with a thrilling six-run win.
The second T20I, held at the Prairie View Cricket Complex, marked a golden moment for American cricket fans. The USA’s disciplined bowling and clinical fielding allowed them to clinch an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Unfamiliar with the surface, the Bangladeshi batsmen, who are used to subcontinental slow turners, consequently struggled in their chase of a modest 144-run target.
Only captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, and the in-form Towhid Hridoy made significant contributions. Left-arm pacer Saurabh Netravalkar struck early, dismissing Soumya Sarkar for a golden duck in the opening over. The chase faltered further as Tanzid Hasan fell soon after.
A crucial 48-run stand between Shanto and Hridoy offered a glimmer of hope for Bangladesh. However, a moment of brilliance from former New Zealand international Corey Anderson turned the tide. A mix-up between the batters caused Shanto’s dismissal, and Anderson rattled Hridoy’s stumps with an in-swinger.
Shakib Al Hasan fought valiantly, but wickets continued to fall at the other end. Chasing 21 runs off the final three overs, Shakib miscalculated a delivery, resulting in his dismissal. Despite staying close, Bangladesh could not seal the victory, with Ali Khan holding his nerve to dismiss Rishad Hossain and secure the win for the USA.
Earlier, Bangladesh elected to field first. USA skipper Monank Patel top-scored with 42 runs, supported by valuable contributions from Steven Taylor (31) and Aaron Jones (35), leading the US to a competitive total of 144/7.
Brief Score:
United States: 144/7 in 20 overs (Monank Patel 42, Aaron Jones 35, Rishad Hossain 2/21)
Bangladesh: 138 (Najmul Hossain Shanto 36, Shakib Al Hasan 30; Ali Khan 3-25, Saurabh Netravalkar 2-15)
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