Cricket

2nd T20I: USA's Ali Khan Credits Fellow Bowlers For Historic Series Win

The United States of America, co-hosts of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, defeated Bangladesh by six runs in the second match to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series

X | USA Cricket
Ali Khan of United States in action during the 2nd t20I match against Bangladesh. Photo: X | USA Cricket
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The United States of America (USA) took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series following their thrilling six-run win over visiting Bangladesh at Prairie View Cricket Complex, Houston on Thursday (local time). (More Cricket News)

Batting first, Moinak Patel's team set a target of 145 runs for the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led Bangladesh. During the powerplay, the visitors were at 30/2 in five overs. The skipper played a brisk knock of 36 runs off 34 balls, but his departure in the 11th triggered a collapse.

Still needing 60 runs, they lost the remaining wickets, for a total of 138 runs.

For the Americans, Ali Khan was the pick of the bowlers, and he won the Player of the Match award for figures of 3/25. Ali's wickets include those of Shakib Al Hasan (30 runs off 23 balls), Rishad Hossain (9 runs off 5 balls), and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (0 in 2 balls).

Saurabh Netravalkar (2/15) and Shadley van Schalkwyk (2/21) contributed with two wickets each.

In the post-match interview, Khan said, "A lot of credit goes to the bowlers. They really put in the effort and brought their A-Game to restrict the Bangladeshi batsmen."

The fast bowler explained how the bowling prowess worked: "We took wickets at crucial stages, and that put the pressure back on Bangladesh".

Najmul Shanto, after having a challenging tour of the USA, stated, "I think it’s very disappointing for us, we lost wickets I think in almost every over in the middle."

"We should change our mentality and mindset,” the all-rounder added.

USA had defeated Bangladesh in the first T20I match by five wickets (chasing the target of 154 runs).

The series serves as a warm-up outing for both teams ahead of the ICC T20I Men's World Cup. The third and final match is scheduled for Saturday (May 25).