NEW DELHI: The United States cricket team secured a historic series win against Bangladesh, triumphing by six runs in the second T20I at the Prairie View Cricket Complex on Thursday. This victory gave the US an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
US skipper Monank Patel praised his team's fighting spirit in the closely contested match.
"We thought we were 10 runs short, but we played with a fighting attitude. I'm really proud of the boys. The way the bowlers bowled in the powerplay and the last five overs was exceptional. They used the conditions well and took wickets. Winning this series gives us confidence leading into the World Cup," said Monank.
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field, a decision that initially seemed promising. However, the US batsmen capitalized on the opportunities to set a target of 144/6. Monank Patel led from the front with 42 runs off 38 balls, including four fours and one six. Aaron Jones contributed 35 runs from 34 balls, and Steven Taylor added 31 runs from 28 balls. Corey Anderson chipped in with 11 runs off 10 balls, including a six.
Bangladesh's bowlers, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, and Rishad Hossain, each took two wickets, but they could not prevent the US from posting a competitive total.
During Bangladesh's chase, they reached a promising 78-2 before a dramatic collapse. Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 36 runs off 34 balls, and Shakib Al Hasan added 30 runs off 23 balls. Towhid Hridoy (25 runs off 21 balls) and Tanzid Hasan (19 runs off 15 balls) also made valuable contributions but fell short in the face of disciplined US bowling.
Ali Khan was the standout bowler for the US, taking three wickets for 25 runs in his 3.3-over spell. His efforts, along with crucial spells from Saurabh Netravalkar and Shadley van Schalkwyk, dismantled the Bangladeshi batting lineup, leading to their total of 138 all out.
Despite the series loss, Bangladesh will have a chance to salvage some pride in the final match on Saturday at the same venue.
(With inputs from ANI)
