USA 156 for 5 (Anderson 34*, Harmeet 33*, Mustafizur 2-41) beat Bangladesh 153 for 6 (Hridoy 58, Mahmudullah 31, Taylor 2-9) by five wickets
United States of America, the 19th ranked cricket team in T20Is, surprised Bangladesh, the ninth ranked team worldwide, with a remarkable five-wicket victory in Texas. The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series by defeating a Full Member team in T20Is for the second time, following their previous victory against Ireland in 2021.
Harmeet Singh, a former India Under-19 cricketer, played a pivotal role in USA’s win by scoring 33 not out off 13 balls, including three consecutive sixes that shifted the game in their favor. He partnered with Corey Anderson who remained unbeaten on 34, to form an unbeaten sixth-wicket partnership of 62 runs in 4.4 overs.
The USA displayed excellent bowling performance to limit Bangladesh to 153 for 6. Despite a shaky start with Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto struggling, Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah stabilized the innings, with Hridoy top-scoring with 58 runs and Mahmudullah contributing 31 runs.
Litton’s Missed Opportunity
Litton failed to capitalize on the chances given to him, falling for 14 in the fifth over. Despite surviving earlier when the US captain Monank Patel dropped a catch, Litton’s luck ran out as he was eventually dismissed, unable to make a significant impact.
In reply, Gous’ dismissal slowed down USA’s momentum. Subsequent contributions from Mahmudullah and Harmeet helped USA regain control and secure a historic victory.
Anderson’s Crucial Hits
As the match neared a tense conclusion, Anderson’s crucial sixes paved the way for USA to achieve the target with ease, sealing a memorable win.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84
