T20 World Cup 2024: Bangladesh Secures Spot in Super 8s with Thrilling 21-Run Victory Over Nepal
In a gripping encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024, Bangladesh clinched a 21-run victory over Nepal, securing their place in the Super 8s. Bangladesh’s bowlers delivered a masterclass, with Tanzim Hasan leading the charge with a sensational 4/7, supported by Mustafizur Rahman’s 3/7 and Shakib Al Hasan’s 2/9. This match also saw Bangladesh defend the lowest-ever total in Men’s T20 World Cup history, setting a record that underscores their tenacity.
Bangladesh’s Struggle with the Bat:
Batting first, Bangladesh found themselves in early trouble. Nepal’s Sompal Kami struck with the very first ball, and a disciplined bowling performance from Nepal restricted Bangladesh to a modest 106 in 19.3 overs. This total marked Bangladesh’s lowest score against an associate nation in T20 World Cups. Nepal’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Sompal Kami (2/10), Sandeep Lamichhane (2/17), Dipendra Singh Airee (2/22), and Rohit Paudel (2/20) each claiming two wickets. Notably, Sandeep Lamichhane reached the milestone of 100 wickets in T20Is during this match.
Nepal’s Response:
Chasing 107, Nepal’s innings faltered early, as they were reduced to 26 for 5. However, a resilient 57-run partnership between Dipendra Singh Airee (25) and Kushal Malla (27) offered a glimmer of hope. Despite their efforts, Nepal was bowled out for 85 in 19.2 overs. Tanzim Hasan’s lethal spell was instrumental, while Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib Al Hasan ensured there was no let-up in pressure.
Key Performances:
Bangladesh Bowling: Tanzim Hasan (4/7), Mustafizur Rahman (3/7), Shakib Al Hasan (2/9)
Nepal Bowling: Sompal Kami (2/10), Sandeep Lamichhane (2/17), Dipendra Singh Airee (2/22), Rohit Paudel (2/20)
Match Summary:
Bangladesh: 106 all out in 19.3 overs (Shakib Al Hasan 17, Taskin Ahmed 12*; Sompal Kami 2/10, Sandeep Lamichhane 2/17)
Nepal: 85 all out in 19.2 overs (Kushal Malla 27, Dipendra Singh Airee 25; Tanzim Hasan 4/7, Mustafizur Rahman 3/7, Shakib Al Hasan 2/9)
Super 8 Groups:
Group 1: India, Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh
Group 2: USA, West Indies, England, South Africa
This victory places Bangladesh in Group 1 alongside cricketing giants India, Australia, and Afghanistan. As the competition intensifies, all eyes will be on Bangladesh to see how they fare against these formidable opponents.