The United States recorded a shock second straight victory over Bangladesh on Thursday to clinch the three-match T20 series with one game to spare ahead of next month’s World Cup on home soil.
Proving that Tuesday’s five-wicket win was no fluke, Monankh Patel’s US team posted 144 for 6 and beat Bangladesh for 138 at Prairie View in Houston to win by six runs.
Patel (42) and Steven Taylor (31) gave the hosts a strong start, with Aaron Jones contributing 35 to help the total to a competitive one.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (36) and Shakib Al Hasan (30) kept Bangladesh chasing but the rest of the batting line-up collapsed with three balls remaining in the innings.
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For the home team, Ali Khan picked up three wickets in the death overs to put the match in their favour.
“I thought the powerplay, especially the last five overs, our bowlers took advantage of the situation and they got wickets at the right time,” Patel said after the match.
“I think if we can win (Saturday) and gain some confidence going into the World Cup, it will definitely help us.”
A third straight series win will be a great encouragement for the United States ahead of the World Cup, which they co-host with the West Indies from June 1-29, but Bangladesh will have something to reflect on after consecutive losses to tier-two teams in Test matches.
“It’s very disappointing for us,” tour captain Chant said.
“We lost wickets in almost every over in the middle innings. I think that was the main reason why we lost the match. Hopefully we can play good cricket in the next match.”
“I don’t think it’s a matter of technology. We have to change our mentality and our way of thinking.”
