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The United States of America (USA) achieved a stunning five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a Twenty20 International (T20I) match held in Houston on Tuesday, offering a significant confidence boost ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The USA is set to host group stage games in the tournament, co-hosted with the West Indies, and this three-match series against Bangladesh serves as their primary preparation.

Despite being ranked 19th in the T20I standings, below teams like Nepal and Oman, the USA outperformed ninth-ranked Bangladesh. Bangladesh set a target of 153/6, with Towhid Hridoy leading the scoring with 58 runs off 47 balls. Off-spinner Steven Taylor was impressive for the USA, taking two wickets for just nine runs in three overs.

Chasing the target, the USA found themselves at 94-5 with five overs left. However, a crucial 61-run partnership between Corey Anderson and Harmeet Singh steered them to victory with three balls to spare. Anderson, a former New Zealand international, scored 34 runs off 25 balls, hitting two sixes, while Singh, a former Indian Under-19 player, scored 33 runs off just 13 deliveries, including three sixes and two fours.

Anderson’s six off the penultimate ball of the 19th over left the USA needing nine runs from the final over. He then smashed Mahmudullah for another six over long-on, followed by a single, allowing Singh to seal the win with a four over extra cover on the next ball. This remarkable performance showcased the USA’s potential as they prepare for the T20 World Cup at home.

The next match of the Bangladesh tour of the USA will be played on the 23rd of May from 8:30 P.M Indian Standard Time (IST) followed by the third and final match of the series on the 25th of May at 8:30 P.M IST. Both the matches will also be played at the Prairie View Cricket Complex in Houston.

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