Ali Khan, a fast bowler, emphasized that USA’s victory in the T20I series against Bangladesh was not a stroke of luck. He expressed confidence in his team’s ability to cause surprises at the upcoming T20 World Cup. Khan stated, “We [USA] are determined and ready to overcome any challenges that come our way.” He highlighted the team’s balance, hunger, and eagerness for change, predicting that USA would create upsets in the T20 World Cup.
We need to represent the USA in cricket globally. Winning once against a top team could be luck, but winning twice and securing the series is not luck. We have the talent and skills needed. Khan was Player of the Match for his 3 wickets for 25 runs in the second T20I match after returning from an injury break. When Bangladesh required 21 runs off 18 balls with Shakib Al Hasan playing, Khan dismissed Shakib and Tanzim Hasan in one over. This led to Bangladesh collapsing to 138 runs, allowing USA to achieve a significant victory.
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Khan described how he got Shakib out when he was batting at 30 runs off 23 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before he resumed bowling. “The captain (Monank Patel) told me to be prepared, so I stayed warmed up,” Khan stated. “I anticipated that I would bowl either the 18th and 20th over or the 17th and 19th over, depending on the circumstances. Just before I came on to bowl, we took a crucial wicket, putting pressure on Bangladesh. I trusted my abilities and focused on executing my best at the end of the game.”
The pitch slowed down. They thought I’d bowl fast, so they attacked and edged it to Shakib. The tactic was to make them struggle on the off side. Shakib fell for it, giving me a wicket. Winning against a major team boosted our confidence. Individual efforts matter in such series. It proves our potential to the world with opportunities. Playing lower-level teams won’t help progress. Facing top teams can lead to surprises. More games with major teams will display our skills.
Khan, who struggled in the first game, needed time to adjust to conditions and regain rhythm. Coming back from a big injury, he aimed to adapt to conditions and improve his performance. Although he conceded more runs than usual, he accepted it as a learning opportunity. In the following game, he applied the lessons learned from his previous experience.
Who is Ali Khan?
Mohammad Ahsan Ali Khan, also known as Ali Khan, has had a unique career trajectory compared to most of his USA teammates. He was born in Attock, Pakistan on December 13, 1990, and relocated to the USA in 2010 with his parents when he was 19 years old. Ali gained attention after participating in ICC Americas’ open trial in Indianapolis and later gained fame by dismissing Kumar Sangakkara with his first ball in the Caribbean Premier League in 2016. In October 2018, he was selected to play for the Khulna Titans team after the draft for the 2018-19 Bangladesh Premier League. Following successful performances in various franchise cricket leagues worldwide, Ali was chosen by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2020 auction.
Although Ali didn’t participate in any games for KKR during that season, he has been a consistent player for their affiliated team Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL since 2018. He acquired American citizenship in 2017 but only made his debut for the USA team during the 2019 ICC World Cricket League Division Two tournament. Ali excelled in the tournament, leading the wicket-taking statistics with 17 dismissals in six matches. Up to now, Ali has competed in seven ODIs and six T20Is, securing a total of 19 wickets. Additionally, he featured for the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the first season of Major League Cricket in 2023.
Ali Khan stars as USA seal historic T20 series win over Bangladesh
Houston: Ali Khan, from Pakistan, took three wickets in his last two overs. This helped USA beat Bangladesh by six runs in the second T20 International. It marked a historic win against a strong cricket nation. USA won the first match too, making them confident for the second game. The Prairie View Cricket Complex witnessed another victory for USA on Thursday. This secured their lead in the three-match series with a 2-0 score. The matches are a warm-up for the upcoming T20 World Cup co-hosted by USA and West Indies starting June 1st. Khan’s performance, with 3 wickets for 25 runs, was crucial for USA’s success.
Usa batted first. Steven (31 runs) and Monank (42 runs) started well, scoring 44 runs in six overs. Monank then partnered with Aaron (35 runs), adding 60 more runs. They finished at 144 for 6. Bangladesh chased next. Soumya got out early to Netravalkar. Netravalkar took two wickets for 15 runs in three overs. Bangladesh was at 78 for three with over nine overs left but collapsed later. Shadley (2/21) and Khan caused trouble, leading Bangladesh to lose their last seven wickets quickly, ending at 138 in 19.3 overs.
Brief Scores: USA: 144 for 6 in 20 overs (Monank Patel 42, Aaron Jones 35; Rishad Hossain 2/21).
Bangladesh: 138 all out 10 in 19.3 overs (Najmul Shanto 36′ Ali Khan 3/25).
