22 May,2024 07:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh Mayure
Harmeet during his match-winning knock v B’desh. Pic/USA Cricket
Two former Mumbai cricketers - all-rounder Harmeet Singh and pacer Saurabh Netravalkar - helped USA to register their maiden win over Bangladesh in the first T20I of the three-match series in Houston on Tuesday, to provide a fine tune-up for their T20 World Cup participation next month.
Thanks to off-spinner Steven Taylor (2-9) and Netravalkar's (1-27) disciplined bowling, USA restricted visitors to 153-6 in the allotted 20 overs. Then, thanks to Harmeet's attacking 13-ball 33 not out (2x4, 3x6) and Corey Anderson's unbeaten 25-ball 34 (2x6), Monank Patel's team snatched a five-wicket win with three balls to spare.
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"It's a big achievement for USA. We need this kind of performance to beat big teams. With such performances ICC will trust us more and invest more in USA cricket," Harmeet told mid-day on Wednesday.
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USA begin their World Cup campaign against Canada on June 1 in Dallas. On June 6, at the same venue, they play Pakistan and the big clash will be against India on June 12 in New York. Harmeet, who played a crucial role in India's 2012 U-19 World Cup triumph under Unmukt Chand's captaincy in Australia, is waiting to thrive on such opportunities.
"On the personal front, I need to prove myself and show that I can deliver against a big team - a Test-playing nation. I enjoyed this win.
"Now, everybody talks about USA cricket. Other teams are watching our game, so definitely it will make some difference in the upcoming T20 World Cup [starting on June 1 in USA and West Indies]. This win means a lot to us. We are no pushovers," Harmeet added.
Netravalkar, who has led USA, praised Harmeet for his match-winning effort. "This win is a big landmark for USA cricket. It's a complete team effort. Harmeet played a blinder. He is a big positive for our team. This win gives us a big boost prior to the T20 World Cup. We knew that if we give our best, we are capable of beating any team," said Netravalkar.
The second T20I between USA and Bangladesh is scheduled for Thursday at the same venue.
