The first match of the three-game series between the USA and Bangladesh in Texas was a thrilling spectacle, with the USA emerging victorious in a nail-biting finish. The game was marked by intense competition and shifting momentum. The USA secured the win by five wickets, with just three balls remaining in their innings.
Key to the USA’s success was a crucial partnership between Corey Anderson and Harmeet Singh. Their synergy at the crease provided stability and resilience under pressure, enabling the team to chase down the target set by Bangladesh. Anderson’s power-hitting combined with Singh’s tactical play ensured that the USA stayed in contention throughout their innings, ultimately steering their team to a memorable victory. This performance set a positive tone for the series, showcasing the USA’s potential and determination.
Bangladesh started their innings after being put into bat by the United States. Litton Das and Soumya Sarkar opened the innings for Bangladesh. Litton Das looked promising with his 14 runs off 15 balls before being dismissed lbw by Jessy Singh. Soumya Sarkar contributed a quick 20 runs off 13 balls before being caught by NR Kumar off Steven Taylor’s bowling.
The middle order struggled to stabilize the innings, with only Towhid Hridoy showing significant resistance. Hridoy played a brilliant knock of 58 runs off 47 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes, before being dismissed by Ali Khan. Mahmudullah’s cameo of 31 runs off 22 balls provided some late impetus to the innings. Jaker Ali remained unbeaten on 9 off 5 balls as Bangladesh posted a total of 153 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
In the bowling department, Steven Taylor and Jessy Singh were the pick of the bowlers for the United States, picking up 2 wickets each.
In response, the United States got off to a steady start with contributions from Steven Taylor (28), Monank Patel (12), and Andries Gous (23). However, Bangladesh managed to pick up wickets at regular intervals to keep the pressure on the hosts.
Corey Anderson played a crucial innings, remaining unbeaten on 34 runs off 25 balls, steering the United States towards victory. Harmeet Singh provided the late fireworks with a blistering knock of 33 runs off just 13 balls, including 2 fours and 3 sixes, to guide his team to victory with 3 balls to spare.
For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman was the most successful bowler, picking up 2 wickets for 41 runs in his 4 overs.
