Bangladesh Clinches Super 8 Spot After Nervous Victory Over Nepal

Bangladesh secured the final Super 8 spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup, surviving a tough challenge from Nepal. Entering the game as favourites, Bangladesh faltered with a disappointing batting display, getting bowled out for just 106. The Netherlands, chasing a daunting 202 against Sri Lanka, posed an indirect threat, but Bangladesh's bowlers ultimately ensured a successful defence of their total.

Key Moment: Shakib and Mustafizur's Heroics

Tanzim Hasan Shakib was the standout performer with figures of 4/7, setting a record with 21 dot balls. However, the game turned decisively during the death overs when Mustafizur Rahman delivered two exceptional overs. In the 17th over, he conceded just 1 run and followed it up with a wicket-maiden in the 19th, extinguishing Nepal's hopes.

Bangladesh's Innings: A Rocky Start and Fragile Finish

Power play: A Nightmare Opening

Bangladesh's innings began disastrously, with Tanzid Hasan dismissed after just two balls. Skipper Najmul Shanto was bowled in the second over, and Litton Das followed suit, mistiming a pull to be caught out. By the end of the power play, Bangladesh was reeling at 31/4, further hampered by Towhid Hridoy’s dismissal.

Middle Overs: Nepal Tightens the Screws

In the middle overs, Bangladesh struggled to build momentum. Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan attempted to stabilise the innings but a miscommunication led to Mahmudullah's run-out, keeping Nepal in control. Despite a boundary each from Mahmudullah and Shakib, the scoring rate remained sluggish, and Shakib's departure added to the woes.

Death Overs: A Bleak Finish

Bangladesh's lower order failed to provide the much-needed push at the end. Although Rishad Hossain managed a few boundaries, the team was eventually bowled out for 106, casting doubt over their chances of advancing.

Nepal's Innings: A Shaky Start and Missed Opportunity

Powerplay: Worse Than Bangladesh

Nepal's reply was even more disastrous. Despite a steady start, Tanzim Hasan Shakib's double strike in the third over dismantled their top order. Aasif Sheikh tried to counter with a couple of boundaries but fell to Mustafizur, leaving Nepal at 24/4 after the powerplay.

Middle Overs: A Brief Recovery

With their top order crumbling, Nepal found some stability in the middle overs. Tanzim's relentless bowling saw him end with impressive figures of 4/7. However, Dipendra Singh and Kushal Malla managed to build a partnership, gradually reducing the target to 42 runs needed from the final five overs.

Death Overs: Mustafizur’s Masterclass

For a fleeting moment, Nepal seemed poised for an upset. Kushal Malla's six and four off Mahmudullah, along with a powerful six from Dipendra Singh off Taskin Ahmed, brought the target within reach. But Mustafizur's exceptional bowling in the 17th and 19th overs turned the game. He dismissed Kushal and bowled a crucial penultimate over where Dipendra couldn't connect with five consecutive balls, eventually edging to the keeper on the last ball. Shakib Al Hasan sealed the match with consecutive wickets in the final over, wrapping up Nepal's innings for 85.

Brief Scores

Bangladesh 106 in 19.3 overs (Sompal Kami 2/10, Sandeep Lamichhane 2/17) defeated Nepal 85 in 19.2 overs (Kushal Malla 27; Tanzim Hasan Shakib 4/7) by 21 runs.

Looking Ahead

Nepal exits the tournament with their heads held high after a commendable campaign. Bangladesh advances to Antigua to face Australia in their first Super 8 match on June 20.