Bangladesh could not have predicted the tragedy that awaited them in the T20 World Cup in the United States. The scare of losing the first T20I against the USA turned into a nightmare in the second, when Ali Khan, a 33-year-old right-arm pacer who had waited years in the US to break into the international spotlight, took the opposition out with his special skill of bowling full and on the stumps in death overs.
The fact that Khan’s three wickets in a spell of 3 for 25 came from the last nine deliveries he bowled demonstrates that he never lost the knack of bowling yorkers in the death overs, even when opportunities to shine on a global stage were scarce during his career as an American cricketer.
“I like my role wherever I go and play, which is to bowl at the death,” said Khan, who was born in Attock, Punjab (Pakistan), following the United States’ six-run victory over Bangladesh on Thursday.
The most valuable of Khan’s victims was the seasoned Shakib Al Hasan, who was put at 30 while chasing the USA’s subpar 144. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 138 in 19.3 overs.
It earned the USA a historic series victory, their first over a Test-playing nation, and an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
USA Win the Thriller and Claim the Series Over Bangladesh! Remarkable skill and determination shown in the series by the World Cup hosts to secure this historic win.
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.#USACricket #T20I #USAvsBAN #FanCode pic.twitter.com/FazXZeUjIi— FanCode (@FanCode) May 24, 2024
“There is always pressure while bowling in the powerplay or death. And I believe this is my strength, and I enjoy taking on challenges and accepting responsibility. In these cases, I would approach the captain and ask for the ball because…I believe in myself, in my abilities, and on my day, I can absolutely back myself and try to win,” said Khan, who is not afraid to get under the batsmen’s skin with a few tough comments.
Khan would have loved to play a few IPL games after being selected by the Kolkata Knight Riders for the 2020 season, but he was unable to secure any playing time. However, he did not let it dampen his enthusiasm.
Prior to Thursday, his crowning achievement came in the CWC Qualifier Play-off in Namibia, when he broke the back of the Jersey side with a spell of 7 for 32, including 5 for 7 in the first three overs with the new ball.
Back-to-back performances today by our batting lineup that clinched the T20i Series against Bangladesh! #USAvBAN pic.twitter.com/oloXXJue1u
— USA Cricket (@usacricket) May 23, 2024
Khan has played 15 ODIs (33 wickets) and 8 T20Is (9 wickets) since becoming a US citizen, after moving to the United States with his parents when he was 18 years old and impressing West Indies fast-bowling legend Courtney Walsh with his pace and swinging yorkers at an open trial, which earned him a spot in the 2016 Caribbean Premier League draft. He has since played for the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders, as well as for franchise T20 teams in other leagues throughout the world.
But nothing has made him happier than helping the United States win a series against a Full ICC Member nation (Bangladesh) for the first time in history, and with a T20 World Cup at home, the historic victory enhances the co-hosts’ confidence.
“We are merely hungry, and we will try to consume anyone who gets in our way. This is especially the time to make some changes and try to adjust what we can, even if it is just a minor thing. But I think the team is well-balanced. As I previously stated, all of the players are hungry, and we are really excited about the (T20) World Cup, where I am confident the USA will cause an upset,” added Khan.
Ali Khan’s stellar performance today at the second T20i against Bangladesh earned him the Man of the Match title! #USAvBAN pic.twitter.com/8ohdtVF3TG
— USA Cricket (@usacricket) May 23, 2024
The USA and the West Indies will co-host the T20 World Cup from June 2 to 29, with the US squad competing in the same group as India and Pakistan. On June 2, the United States will face Canada in the tournament’s opening match.
Speaking further on the USA’s historic victory, Khan pushed for further opportunities for Associate Members of the ICC to compete against Full Members (test-playing nations).
Cricket History Made! The underdogs have done it! The USA Cricket team has pulled off a stunning victory against Bangladesh in the first T20I! ✨
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.#USAvBAN #T20I #FanCode pic.twitter.com/Fy4IN6DoV3— FanCode (@FanCode) May 22, 2024
This demonstrates to the rest of the world what we are capable of when given the chance. You will remain there if you simply continue to play at this associate level or lower levels. However, there are undoubtedly ways to pull off an upset if you have more chances to play against stronger opponents, such as the top 10 teams. And that is clearly depicted in this image,” Khan said.
“I think, definitely associate cricket should be given more opportunities against the full members that will help us showcase our talent and what we have to show the world.”