United States upset Bangladesh in second T20I to claim series

The United States secured a surprising six-run victory over Bangladesh in the second Twenty20 international on Thursday, winning the three-match series in Houston.

Bangladesh, chasing a target of 145, was in a strong position at 78-2 but collapsed, losing their last eight wickets for 60 runs. This defeat came just two days after they lost the opening match by five wickets.

Fast bowler Ali Khan was instrumental for the USA, taking 3-25, while Bangladesh's top scorers were skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto with 36 runs and former captain Shakib Al Hasan with 30. "A lot of credit goes to the bowlers. They really put in the effort and brought their A-Game to restrict the Bangladeshi batsmen," said Khan, who was named man of the match. "We took wickets at crucial stages and that put the pressure back on Bangladesh."

This series is part of the preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup, set to begin on June 1 in the United States and the Caribbean. The final game of the series will also take place in Houston on Saturday.

Bangladesh's Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his disappointment, stating, "I think it's very disappointing for us. We lost wickets in almost every over in the middle. I hope we can play some good cricket in the next match. I think it's not a problem with the skills. We should change our mentality and mindset."

The USA posted 144-6 in their 20 overs, with captain Monank Patel top-scoring with 42 off 38 balls, supported by Steven Taylor's 31 and Aaron Jones's 35. For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, and Rishad Hossain each claimed two wickets.

Bangladesh's chase began poorly, losing opener Soumya Sarkar for a duck, caught and bowled by Saurabh Netravalkar. Tanzid Hasan, who replaced the experienced Liton Das, was bowled by Jasdeep Singh for 19, leaving Bangladesh at 30-2. Despite being in control at 78-2, a mix-up led to Shanto being run out, triggering a collapse. Towhid Hridoy was bowled by Corey Anderson for 25, and veteran Mahmudullah was dismissed by Shadley van Schalkwyk for three.

Van Schalkwyk also dismissed Jaker Ali, while Shakib was bowled by Khan, leaving Bangladesh at 124-7. The tailenders could not salvage the innings, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, and Rishad Hossain falling quickly, sealing the USA's unexpected victory.