League: Cricket
The United States of America (USA) continued their dominance against Bangladesh, securing a narrow 6-run victory in the second T20I at the Prairie View Cricket Complex. This win gives USA an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Put in to bat first, the USA batters made a solid start. Skipper Monank Patel (42) and Steven Taylor (31) added 44 runs for the opening wicket. Contribution from Aaron Jones (35) also kept the scoreboard ticking. However, a middle-order collapse restricted the USA to a total of 144/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Bangladesh’s chase began disastrously as they lost Soumya Sarkar (0) in the first over. While Najmul Hossain Shanto (36) and Towhid Hridoy (25) showed some resistance, the USA bowlers kept chipping away at the wickets. Shakib Al Hasan (30) played a lone hand in middle, but once he departed, the remaining batters fell in quick succession. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 138 runs in 19.3 overs.
Fast bowler Ali Khan emerged as the hero with the ball for USA, claiming three wickets for just 25 runs in his 3.3 overs. He was ably supported by Saurabh Netravalkar (2-15) and Shadley van Schalkwyk (2-21).
With this victory, USA created history by securing a series win over a Test playing nation. The hosts of the upcoming T20 World Cup are placed alongside cricketing giants India and Pakistan in Group A.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh will need a significant turnaround in their batting performance to avoid a series sweep against USA. The third T20I will be played at the same venue on Saturday, May 25.