Bangladesh faced a humiliating defeat against the USA, losing by 6 runs in the second T20 match at the Prairie View Cricket Complex in Houston, Texas, thus conceding the three-match series. This loss is considered one of the most shameful in Bangladesh's cricket history.
Opting to bat first, the USA, composed mostly of migrated players, posted a moderate total of 144-6. In response, Bangladesh was bowled out for 138 in 19.3 overs.
After winning the first game by 5 wickets, USA's victory in the second match confirmed their series win. Bangladesh's failure in the second match has sent shockwaves through the country's cricket fraternity, especially ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Bangladesh seemed to be on track for a win at 124-5 in the 17th over with Shakib Al Hasan and Jaker Ali at the crease. However, the collapse began with Jaker's dismissal on the last ball of the 17th over, leading to a disastrous finish where Bangladesh lost five wickets for just 14 runs.
Pacer Ali Khan played a pivotal role with figures of 3-25, supported by Shadley van Schalkwyk and Saurab Netravalkar, who took two wickets each. Schalkwyk sparked the collapse by dismissing Jaker Ali, while Ali Khan's crucial wicket of Shakib Al Hasan shattered Bangladesh's hopes.
Netravalkar started the slide by removing Soumya Sarkar for a duck in the first over, followed by Jasdeep Singh dismissing Tanzid Hasan Tamim for 19. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy briefly stabilized the innings with a 48-run partnership for the third wicket.
Shanto was run out after scoring 36 off 34 balls, and soon after, Hridoy was bowled by Corey Anderson for 25 off 21 balls. Despite Shakib's fluent 30 off 23 balls, Bangladesh couldn't recover and succumbed to the USA's bowling attack.
Earlier, Bangladesh's bowlers did well to restrict the USA to 144-6. Fast bowlers Shoriful Islam (2-29), Mustafizur Rahman (2-31), and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain (2-21) were effective in limiting the USA's total. Skipper Monank Patel top-scored for the USA with 42, while Steven Taylor and Aaron Jones contributed 31 and 35 runs, respectively.
The third and final match of the series will take place on Saturday.
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