The United States pulled off a major upset by beating Bangladesh by five wickets in the first T20 international of their three-match series. This victory comes just before co-hosting the Men’s T20 World Cup next month. Ranked 19th in the T20 international rankings, the USA successfully chased down their target of 154 with three balls to spare in Dallas, Texas. Former New Zealand international Corey Anderson played a key role, finishing with an unbeaten 34 runs.
Bangladesh seemed in control initially when the hosts needed 50 runs off the last 20 balls. However, former India Under-19s all-rounder Harmeet Singh’s quickfire 33 off 13 balls, including three consecutive sixes, shifted the momentum. Despite still requiring 24 runs off the final 12 balls, Anderson’s two sixes in the last over helped seal the USA’s memorable win. Anderson and Singh’s partnership of 62 runs in 4.4 overs proved pivotal.
This marks the USA’s second victory against a full member T20 international side, following their win against Ireland in 2021. The USA, sharing hosting duties with the West Indies, will open the T20 World Cup against Canada on June 1. They will then face Pakistan, India, and Ireland in the group phase. Cricket fans can watch all four of England’s men’s T20I series matches against Pakistan and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA live on Sky Sports Cricket or stream it with a NOW subscription.