USA secure historic series win over Bangladesh

Co-hosts of the T20 World Cup next month, the United States of America (USA) have secured a historic series win over Bangladesh a week ahead of the mega event, registering their first ever series win against a full-member in T20Is. 

USA led the three-match T20I series 1-0 after a comprehensive five-wicket victory in the first T20I in Houston on May 21 (Tuesday). In the second T20I on May 23 (Thursday), the hosts managed only a modest total of 144, after being asked to bat first, but ended up securing a six-run victory on the back of a stunning bowling performance to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

On the day, USA got off to a very good start courtesy of their top four, with Steven Taylor (31), Monank Patel (42) and Aaron Jones (35) all making notable contributions. They were 104/2 at one point but a poor finish saw them end on 144/6. Shoriful Islam (2/29) and Rishad Hosssain (2/21) were the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh.

In response, chasing 145, Bangladesh looked primed to chase down the target at 76/2 at the halfway mark but a mix-up between skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy gave USA an opening. Even then, at 102/4, Bangladesh needed 43 off the final six overs with the experienced duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah at the crease, but an inspired final five overs from USA saw the hosts secure the game and the series.

Shadley van Schalkwyk (2/21), Saurabh Netravalkar (2/15) and Ali Khan (3/25) all stepped up big time with the ball for USA. 

As much as this is a historic result for USA, it’s equally a very disappointing — if not embarrassing — one for Bangladesh. Ahead of the series, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan had in fact labeled the series as ‘not ideal preparation’ for the Tigers ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Brief scores

USA 144/6 in 20 overs (Monank Patel 42, Aaron Jones 35; Rishad Hossain 2/21) beat Bangladesh 138 all-out in 19.3 overs (Najmul Shanto 36, Shakib 30; Ali Khan 3/25) by 6 runs

Player of the Match: Ali Khan

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