Kingstown, Saint Vincent – Bangladesh kept their T20 World Cup hopes alive with a 21-run victory over Nepal in a tight Group D encounter. Nepal’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss backfired as Bangladesh posted a competitive total, ultimately proving too much for the Nepali side.expand_more
Bangladesh’s Fighting Innings:
Despite losing opener Tanzid Hasan early, Bangladesh rebuilt steadily. Litton Das (10) and Shanto (4) provided a platform for Shakib Al Hasan, who top-scored with a valuable 17 runs. Crucial contributions from Mahmudullah (13), Jaker Ali (12), Rishad Hossain (13), and Taskin Ahmed (12) boosted Bangladesh’s total. They managed to reach 106 runs before being bowled out in the penultimate over.
Nepal’s bowling attack, led by Sompal Kami (2/10), Dipendra Singh (2/22), Rohit Paudel (2/20), and Lamichhane (2/17), remained disciplined and picked up wickets at regular intervals. However, they were unable to contain the lower-order hitting from Rishad and Taskin, which proved vital in the final analysis.
Nepal’s Struggling Chase:
Nepal’s chase began on a shaky note, losing key wickets early on. Aasif Sheikh (17) provided some resistance, but the required run rate kept climbing. Kushal Malla (27) and Dipendra Singh (25) offered a glimmer of hope with a 52-run partnership, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the mounting pressure.
Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly Tanzim Hasan Sakib (4/7), Mustafizur Rahman (3/7), and Shakib Al Hasan (2/9), were exceptional. They maintained tight lines and lengths, making it difficult for the Nepali batsmen to score freely. Nepal eventually succumbed to the pressure, being bowled out for 85 runs in 19.2 overs.expand_more
Turning Points & Key Performances:
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s dream spell: His four-wicket haul for just seven runs completely derailed Nepal’s chase and earned him the Player of the Match award.
- Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round contribution: A solid 17 runs with the bat, followed by two crucial wickets, highlighted his importance to the team.
- Aasif Sheikh’s fighting knock: Despite the defeat, his 17 runs were the top score for Nepal and showcased his talent.
- Bangladesh’s lower-order resilience: Rishad Hossain and Taskin Ahmed’s late hitting proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Match Summary:
- Bangladesh: 106 all out (19.3 overs)
- Shakib Al Hasan 17, Mahmudullah 13, Rishad Hossain 13, Taskin Ahmed 12
- Sompal Kami 2/10, Dipendra Singh 2/22, Rohit Paudel 2/20, Lamichhane 2/17
- Nepal: 85 all out (19.2 overs)
- Aasif Sheikh 17, Kushal Malla 27, Dipendra Singh 25
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib 4/7, Mustafizur Rahman 3/7, Shakib Al Hasan 2/9
- Result: Bangladesh won by 21 runs
- Player of the Match: Tanzim Hasan Sakib
What This Means:
This win keeps Bangladesh’s hopes of progressing to the next stage of the T20 World Cup alive. It was a crucial victory in a challenging group, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. For Nepal, this loss is a setback, but their spirited performance demonstrates their growing potential in international cricket.
The T20 World Cup continues to deliver thrilling encounters, and this match between Bangladesh and Nepal was a testament to the competitive nature of the tournament.
Detailed Scorecard:
Did not bat: Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Tanzid Hasan, 0.1), 7-2 (Shanto, 1.3), 21-3 (Litton Das, 4.3), 30-4 (Towhid Hridoy, 5.4), 52-5 (Mahmudullah, 9.0), 61-6 (Shakib, 11.4), 69-7 (Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 13.2), 75-8 (Jaker Ali, 15.3), 88-9 (Rishad Hossain, 17.1), 106-10 (Mustafizur, 19.3)
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Detailed Scorecard:
Did not bat: Fall of wickets: 9-1 (Kushal Bhurtel, 2.2), 9-2 (Anil Sah, 2.4), 20-3 (Rohit Paudel, 4.2), 24-4 (Aasif Sheikh, 5.4), 26-5 (Sundeep Jora, 6.6), 78-6 (Kushal Malla, 16.4), 85-7 (Gulsan Jha, 17.5), 85-8 (Dipendra Singh Airee, 18.6), 85-9 (Sompal Kami, 19.1), 85-10 (Abinash Bohara, 19.2)
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