(Reuters) - The United States pulled off a second successive shock win against Bangladesh on Thursday to clinch the three-match T20 series with a game to spare in a timely boost ahead of their home World Cup next month.
Proving Tuesday's five-wicket win was no fluke, the U.S. side led by Monank Patel posted 144-6 and returned to bowl out Bangladesh for 138 to prevail by six runs at the Prairie View in Houston.
Patel (42) and Steven Taylor (31) gave the hosts a strong start, and Aaron Jones contributed 35 to help them to a competitive total.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (36) and Shakib Al Hasan (30) kept Bangladesh in the chase but the rest of their batting lineup caved in with three balls left in their innings.
For the hosts, Ali Khan picked up three wickets in the death overs to tilt the game in their favour.
"I think the way our bowlers bowled in the powerplay and especially in the last five overs, we used the conditions really well, and they got the wickets at the right time," Patel said afterwards.
"I think if we win (on Saturday) and get the confidence leading to the World Cup, it will definitely help us."
While a 3-0 series sweep would be a major boost for the U.S. ahead of the June 1-29 World Cup they co-host with West Indies, test-playing Bangladesh will be introspective after back-to-back losses against a tier-two team.
"I think it's very disappointing for us," touring captain Shanto said.
"We lost wickets in almost every over in the middle. That is the main point I think we lost the match. I hope we can play some good cricket in the next match.
"I think it's not the problem with the skill. We should change our mentality and mindset."
(Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; Editing by Tom Hogue)
