Fast bowler Ali Khan has hailed USA’s landmark T20I series victory against Bangladesh as a testament to the team’s growing prowess and potential on the international stage. Following his match-winning performance in the second T20I, Khan asserted that the series win was no fluke and expressed confidence in the USA causing upsets at the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“We [USA] are hungry, and are going to try to eat whoever comes in our way,” Khan said after his impressive three-wicket haul. “This is a time where we can make some changes and adjust. The team looks balanced, and all the guys are hungry. I am sure USA will do some upset [in the T20 World Cup].”
In the second T20I at Prairie View on May 23, 2024, Ali Khan’s three wickets for 25 runs were crucial in the USA’s defense of a modest total of 144. Coming back from an injury break, Khan’s crucial breakthroughs included dismissing the experienced Shakib Al Hasan, who was anchoring Bangladesh‘s chase. Khan’s strategic bowling in the death overs turned the tide in favor of the USA, leading to Bangladesh’s collapse at 138.
“The captain (Monank Patel) asked me to stay ready, and I stayed warmed up,” Khan recounted. “I knew I would be coming on to bowl the 18th and 20th over or the 17th and 19th depending on the situation. Right before I came on, we got a breakthrough and that added pressure on Bangladesh. I just backed myself and tried to do what I do best at the death.”
Khan’s strategy against Shakib involved exploiting the wind conditions and changing pace, which resulted in Shakib dragging an offside delivery onto his stumps. This pivotal wicket was followed by another in the same over, and Khan capped off his performance by sealing the win with the final wicket in the 20th over.
Reflecting on the significance of the series win, Khan emphasized the confidence boost it provided the team. “It’s massive. In a series like this, individual performances count as well. As a team, it just shows the world what we can do if given the opportunities. If we keep playing at this associate level or lower level, you are just going to stay there. But if you have more opportunities to play against bigger sides, top ten teams, there’s definitely ways of doing an upset.”
Khan acknowledged that he needed time to find his rhythm after his injury, which was evident in his less favorable performance in the first T20I, where he conceded 49 runs for one wicket. However, he adapted quickly and applied the lessons learned to his match-winning spell in the second game.
“The World Cup is coming up, so we don’t have much time. I still feel there’s a lot of improvement to be done,” Khan noted, highlighting the urgency and dedication needed as the team prepares for the T20 World Cup.
USA’s historic series win against a full-member side for the first time has not only boosted the team’s morale but also underscored their potential to compete and succeed on the global stage. As they gear up for the T20 World Cup, Ali Khan and his teammates are determined to showcase their talent and make a significant impact.
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