Ali Khan, a 33-year-old right-arm fast bowler who had patiently awaited his moment in the international spotlight in the US, wreaked havoc on the opposition. His unique ability to bowl full and accurately on the stumps in the crucial death overs drained the life out of the opposition team.
Khan is never shy of getting under the batsmen’s skin with a few aggressive words. “There’s always pressure when you bowl in the powerplay and death. And I think this is my strength and I like to take that challenge and I like to take responsibility. In these, I would go to the captain and ask for the ball because…I believe in myself, in my ability, and on my day I can back myself and try to get the win.”
“I like my role wherever I go and play, which is to bowl at the death,” he said after USA’s six-run win over Bangladesh.
Bangladesh could not have foreseen the ordeal awaiting them at the T20 World Cup in the United States. What started as a concern after losing the first T20I against the USA escalated into a nightmare during the second match.
Khan’s achievement of taking three wickets for 25 runs in just nine deliveries highlights his consistent ability to bowl yorkers effectively during the crucial death overs. This feat underscores his skill, especially considering the limited opportunities he had to showcase his talent on the global cricket stage as an American player.
He has found great joy in nothing more than contributing to the USA’s victory in a series against a Full ICC Member nation (Bangladesh) for the first time. This achievement, occurring just before a T20 World Cup at home, significantly boosts the confidence of the co-hosts with its historic significance.
After becoming a US citizen, Ali Khan has played 15 ODIs and 8 T20Is. He relocated to the US with his parents at 18 and impressed Courtney Walsh, a West Indies fast-bowling legend, at an open trial with his speed and yorker deliveries. His standout performance last Thursday, where he took 3 wickets for 25 runs, marked a historic moment for USA cricket as they secured their first T20I series victory against a Test-playing nation.