The United States of America (USA) clinched a momentous T20I series victory against Bangladesh, following a thrilling 6-run triumph in the second match on May 23, 2024, at the Grand Prairie Cricket Complex in Houston.
Defending a target of 145, the USA got off to a flying start when Sourabh Netravalkar managed to dismiss Soumya Sarkar with a brilliant catch off his own bowling. Despite this setback, Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto played positively, applying pressure on the USA bowlers and adding 30 runs for the second wicket. Their partnership was broken by a superb delivery from Jessy Singh that sent Tanzid Hasan back to the pavilion.
Shanto, now joined by Towhid Hridoy, kept the scoreboard ticking, steering Bangladesh towards their target. However, a moment of brilliance in the field by Corey Anderson resulted in Shanto’s run-out after a valuable 48-run partnership with Hridoy for the third wicket.
Corey Anderson continued his impact by dismissing Hridoy, who dragged an inside edge onto his stumps, putting Bangladesh in a spot of bother. Shadley Van Schalkwyk then dismissed Mahmudullah, increasing the pressure on Bangladesh.
Needing 12 runs off the final over, Ali Khan proved to be the hero for the USA. He removed Rishad Hossain, and earlier in his spell, he had taken the crucial wicket of the veteran Shakib Al Hasan. Ali Khan finished with impressive figures of 3 for 25 in 3.3 overs. Netravalkar chipped in with 2 for 15, and Van Schalkwyk also took 2 wickets, while Anderson had 1 for 11 in his 2 overs.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh’s captain Shanto won the toss and chose to field. The USA openers, Steven Taylor and Monank Patel, started strongly, reaching 42 for no loss in the first six overs. Taylor and Andries Gous were dismissed in quick succession, but not before Taylor and Patel had put on 44 runs for the first wicket. Aaron Jones then joined Monank Patel, and the duo kept the momentum going with a mix of singles and boundaries, maintaining the pressure on the Bangladesh bowlers.
The thrilling finish sent fans on social media into a frenzy, with mixed emotions ranging from jubilation for the USA’s famous 6-run victory to brutal trolling of the Bangladesh team.
Here are some of the reactions from the fans:
