At last, relief for Bangladesh. The Tigers ended the series with a commanding victory, pouring out their accumulated frustrations over the past few days. Bangladesh dominated the United States in every department, avoiding the shame of a whitewash.
In the final T20 of the series, the Tigers thoroughly defeated the United States, showcasing their capabilities and demonstrating the gap between the two teams. The comprehensive 10-wicket victory speaks volumes. Chasing a modest target of 105 runs set by the hosts, Bangladesh reached it in just 11.4 overs.
After Mustafizur’s bowling onslaught, Tanzid Tamim and Soumya Sarkar took the charge with the bat. They didn’t give the American bowlers any chance, securing the win with a partnership of 108* runs off 70 balls, which is Bangladesh’s second-highest opening partnership in T20s. This ensured Bangladesh’s largest victory by balls remaining.
Tanzid Tamim scored a fifty, his third in a seven-match T20 career, remaining unbeaten at 58 off 42 balls. His opening partner, Soumya Sarkar, was also impressive, scoring an unbeaten 43 off 28 balls. Bangladesh reached the target with 50 balls to spare.
However, the real work was done by the bowlers, particularly Mustafizur. Winning the toss and opting to field, Bangladesh bowled out the United States for 104, with Mustafizur playing a crucial role, taking 6 wickets for just 10 runs—his career-best bowling figures.
The United States had a strong start, with openers Sushant Modani and Steven Taylor scoring 46 runs in 4.5 overs. But Shakib Al Hasan broke their partnership, dismissing Steven Taylor for 27 off 15 balls, marking Shakib’s 700th wicket in international cricket.
Mustafizur then struck in the next over, dismissing Sushant Modani for 18 off 20 balls, dealing a double blow to the United States. Rishad kept the pressure on with a maiden over, and Mustafizur took another wicket, reducing the United States to 56 for 3 after 9.4 overs.
The Tigers didn’t relent, with Tanzim Sakib and Rishad taking quick wickets. Captain Andrew Jones was dismissed for 2 off 7 balls, and Milind Kumar for 7, leaving the United States at 66 for 5.
Mustafizur returned to take two more wickets in the 18th over, dismissing Jessy Singh and Nisarg Patel, concluding the United States innings at 104 for 9.
Aside from Mustafizur, Rishad also bowled brilliantly, conceding only 7 runs in his four overs despite taking just one wicket.
