Helped by a strong batsman from New Zealand and a former India junior, the United States enjoyed a confidence-boosting, five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a T20I World Cup warm-up match on Tuesday, just over a week before co-hosting the tournament.
Batting all-rounder Corey Anderson, who represented New Zealand in 13 test matches and over 80 white-ball matches, played a crucial unbeaten knock of 34 runs to help the U.S. successfully chase Bangladesh's total of 153-6. The match took place in Prairie View, Texas.
Harmeet Singh, who played under-19 cricket for India, partnered with Anderson to create a match-winning 62-run partnership. Singh remained not out on 33 runs after hitting three sixes.
This victory was only the second time the U.S., ranked 19th in T20 cricket and led by Monank Patel, defeated a top-tier ICC Full Member nation in T20s. It came two-and-a-half years after their first win against Ireland in 2021.
As co-hosts of the 20-nation World Cup with the West Indies, the U.S. has a slim chance of progressing beyond the group stage. However, this win against Bangladesh raises hopes that the Americans will not be embarrassed in front of their home fans.
The U.S. will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against fellow cricketing minnows Canada in Dallas on June 1. This will be followed by matches against global powerhouses Pakistan and India, before their final group stage match against Ireland.
Brief Scores:
Venue: Prairie View Cricket Complex, Houston
United States beat Bangladesh by five wickets
Bangladesh: 153 for six wickets in 20 overs
United States: 156 for five wickets in 19.3 overs
