The United States of America stunned Bangladesh in their first-ever T20I meeting played at Prairie View Cricket Complex, Houston on 21st May 2024. Chasing down a modest total of 154 runs to win, Steven Taylor and USA captain Monak Patel started on a positive note before Monak was run out by Shoriful Islam.
Andries Gous and Steven Taylor steadied the ship taking singles and hitting boundaries that put pressure on Bangladesh bowlers. USA ended the first six overs at 43 for 1. Andries and Steven Taylor kept the scoreboard ticking before Rishad Hossain struck to dismiss Gous. Andries and Taylor put on 38 runs for the 2nd wicket that steadied the ship for USA. The USA lost three quick wickets in succession of Steven Taylor, Aaron Jones, and Nitish Kumar.
Corey Anderson and Harmeet Singh rescued the things for the USA. Harmeet Singh who was part of the winning team of India Under 19 squad in 2012 looked in sublime touch not allowing the Bangladesh bowlers to settle. With 55 runs required off the last 4 overs, Harmeet Singh took charge hitting some lusty blows against Musfitzur Rahman that changed the momentum in favor of USA.
Harmeet Singh played a breath-taking knock and hit the winning runs helping the USA beat Bangladesh by 5 wickets with 3 balls to spare. It was a special knock by Harmeet Singh timing the ball brilliantly. On the other hand, Corey Anderson struggled to time the ball and made sure to give great support to Harmeet Singh. Corey and Harmeet Singh put on unbeaten 62 runs for the 6th wicket.
USA takes a 1-0 lead in the 3-match T20I series. The second match will be played on 23rd May 2024.
USA bowlers did a great job to restrict Bangladesh
It was a disciplined bowling by USA bowlers to restrict Bangladesh. USA captain Monak Patel won the toss and decided to field first. Jasdeep Singh struck for the USA after Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar put on 34 runs for the opening wicket. Steven Taylor struck twice dismissing Soumya Sarkar and Bangladesh captain Najmul Hasan Shanto to leave Bangladesh in trouble. A superb piece of fielding resulted in the run out of Shakib AL Hasan.
The experienced Mahmudullah and Hridoy helped Bangladesh to recover putting on 67 runs for the 5th wicket. For the USA, Steven Taylor was the pick of bowlers with 2 for 9 in 3 overs, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, and Jessy Singh took 1 wicket each. For his brilliant 33 off 13 deliveries, Harmeet Singh was named the player of the match award.
This will be the first-ever win for the USA over a test-playing nation. It is a remarkable achievement for USA cricket to defeat Bangladesh in the first international match between these two sides.
The USA will pose a threat to the likes of Canada, and Ireland. If they play to their potential, they could cause a major upset to India or Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2024.
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