Bangladesh's batting struggles continued in the first T20I against the USA at the Prairie View Cricket Complex in Texas on Tuesday. The tourists' top order faltered once more, with Litton Das' ongoing poor form a major concern. Despite a fortunate early reprieve, he failed to convert his opportunity, falling cheaply and extending his recent run of low scores.
The out-of-touch opener was given a lifeline early on when he was caught behind on just two runs. However, wicket-keeper Monank Patel, the USA captain, incredibly spilled the seemingly straightforward chance. Despite this reprieve, Litton failed to capitalise, managing only 14 runs before edging another delivery to Patel behind the stumps on his fifth ball. His dismissal offered a glimpse of promise with a six in the following over, but this flickered briefly before being extinguished by a succession of hesitant shots.
Litton's omission from the Bangladesh side for the final two T20Is against Zimbabwe at home had sparked debate. Tanjid Hasan, handed his T20I debut in Litton's absence, had impressed alongside Tamim Iqbal's fifty. Yet, the selectors opted to recall Litton for the USA clash, leaving the in-form Tanjid on the sidelines.
Najmul Hossain Shanto joined the crease after Litton's dismissal. He failed to score off his first three deliveries, while Soumya Sarkar at the other end began to find his rhythm. Despite lacking a consistent partner in Litton, Soumya kept the scoreboard ticking over with some well-timed boundaries.
However, Litton's departure seemed to disrupt his flow, and he was soon dismissed by right-arm off-spinner Steven Taylor. While the delivery was well-directed, it lacked real pace, allowing Soumya to find the boundary off Talabundi's bowling. He departed after a valiant knock of 20 runs from 13 balls.
Skipper Shanto, on the other hand, could only manage three runs from 11 deliveries. This underwhelming showing from the Tigers' top order failed to meet expectations and left their batting woes unresolved.
