USA vs BAN, T20Is: Key architects of USA's historic win over Bangladesh at home. Corey Anderson is among the three architects.
USA Cricket Team secured a landmark achievement by winning their first-ever T20I series against an ICC Full Member Nation, Bangladesh. The 2-1 series victory has provided a significant boost to the team's morale ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. This was a team effort, with standout performances from Steven Taylor, Corey Anderson and Ali Khan proving crucial in their success.
The USA vs BAN, T20I series win at a glance
The series began with USA pulling off a surprising five-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Batting first, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 142/7. USA's response was steady, with opener Steven Taylor scoring crucial 28 runs. Taylor, who usually bats at the top of the order, provided a solid foundation for the chase. Middle-order batter Corey Anderson, a former New Zealand international, contributed with vital 37 runs, showcasing his experience and composure under pressure. USA chased down the target with two balls to spare, with Ali Khan playing a critical role by bowling a tight spell and picking up two wickets to stifle the Bangladesh innings.
In the second match, USA confirmed their series win with a thrilling six-run victory. Batting first, they posted 144/6, with Steven Taylor again making a significant contribution of 31 runs, solidifying his role as a dependable opener. Corey Anderson, batting in the middle order, scored 35 runs and was instrumental in pushing the score to a competitive total. Anderson's all-round performance was highlighted by his crucial wicket of Towhid Hridoy, which turned the tide in USA’s favour. Ali Khan was the star with the ball, taking two wickets for 26 runs, including the crucial dismissal of Shakib Al Hasan, ensuring Bangladesh fell short of the target.
Despite already having lost the series, Bangladesh fought back in the third T20I to secure a convincing 10-wicket win. It was seasoned pacer Mustafizur Rahman's magical spell that came to the rescue for Bangladesh from being on the cups of getting whitewashed. Mustafizur, with his extraordinary skills of bowling cutters and mixing them with stock deliveries, troubled USA batters. However, the series was already decided, and USA's key players had already made their mark. In this final game, USA rested some of their key players, which included the likes of Steven Taylor, Monank Patel and Ali Khan.
Read More: Will T20 World Cup 2024 vitalise MLC? Where MLC stands commercially vis a vis NFL, NBA & MLB?
Key Architects of USA's victory over Bangladesh
Steven Taylor
Opening batter and occasional off-spinner Steven Taylor was instrumental in providing strong starts in both the first and second matches. He scored a total of 59 runs across the series, laying the foundation for USA's chases. He also picked a couple of wickets in two matches he played. His ability to stabilise the innings at the top of the order was crucial in both games.
Corey Anderson
Batting in the middle order, Corey Anderson brought in his vast international experience, scoring 63 runs in the series. In the three match series, the southpaw amassed 63 runs in three innings at an average of 31.50. He is someone who can play well in the death overs and give that much-needed boost. Moreover, Anderson's sharp fielding and his key wicket in the second game proved his all-round capabilities. However, he didn't bowl as much. In just four overs, he conceded 21 runs at an economy of 5.25.
Ali Khan
As a frontline pacer, Ali Khan was the leading wicket-taker for USA in the series, with a total of four wickets. His tight bowling spells, especially in the death overs, were crucial in restricting Bangladesh’s scoring. Previously, Khan was part of the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He also has a lot of experience of playing in many leagues across the globe including ILT20. Khan's ability to bowl Yorkers and maintaining his composure under pressure were key factors in the USA's bowling success.
USA's series victory against Bangladesh is a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. The performances of Steven Taylor, Corey Anderson and Ali Khan were instrumental in this historic achievement. Their contributions with both bat and ball demonstrated the depth and potential of the team. As they prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, this series win will undoubtedly serve as a confidence booster. It shows that they can compete and succeed against top-tier cricketing nations.
Comments