MIAMI, United States: The United States beat Bangladesh by six runs to win their second Twenty20 International on Thursday and claim a shock three-match series victory in Houston.
Chasing a modest 145 to win, Bangladesh were well placed at 78-2 before losing the last eight wickets for 60 runs to be beaten two days after losing the opening match by five wickets.
Fast bowler Ali Khan took 3-25 for the home side while Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and former skipper Shakib Al Hasan were the mainstays in their team’s 138-run total.
The series is being played as part of the build-up to the Twenty20 World Cup in the United States and the Caribbean, starting June 1.
The final game will take place on Saturday in Houston.
After restricting USA to 144-6 in 20 overs, Bangladesh were rocked after just four balls when Saurabh Netravalkar was caught and bowled by opener Soumya Sarkar for no score.
They were 30-2 in the fifth over of the game when teammate Tanzid Hasan, called into the side to replace veteran run-getter Liton Das, was clean bowled by Jasdeep Singh for 19.
At 78-2, Bangladesh looked in control but lost captain Shant in what became an embarrassing tangle with Towhid Hridoy.
His departure sparked a rapid decline for the Asian side, who are ranked ninth in the world, compared to the Americans in 19th.
Earlier, USA captain Monank Patel top scored with 42 off 38 balls and was well supported by his teammate Steven Taylor and Aaron Jones’ 35.
Rishad, Shoriful and Mustafizur Rahman took two wickets each for Bangladesh.
