In a thrilling encounter, Bangladesh managed to defend a modest total of 106 against Nepal in Kingstown, securing a place in the Super Eight round of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Here are the key statistical takeaways from the match.
Historic Defense of a Low Total
106 Runs Defended
Bangladesh successfully defended their total of 106, marking the lowest score ever defended in a full 20-over game in the men's T20 World Cup. This record surpasses the previous benchmark set by South Africa, who defended 113 for 6 against Bangladesh in New York last week.
Lowest Totals Defended by Full Members
Only two lower totals have been defended by full-member teams in a full 20-over men's T20I. The West Indies defended 96 for 9 against Ireland in 2014, and Zimbabwe defended 105 against the West Indies in 2010.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib's Bowling Masterclass
21 Dot Balls
Tanzim Hasan Sakib set a new record for the most dot balls in a men's T20 World Cup match, delivering 21 dot balls against Nepal. The previous record of 20 dot balls was held by nine bowlers, including several from the ongoing tournament.
Rare Double All-Out Matches
The match between Bangladesh and Nepal was only the third in men's T20 World Cup history where both teams were bowled out. The other two instances were Australia vs. Pakistan in Gros Islet in 2010 and Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand in Chattogram in 2014.
Economical Bowling Feats
Seven Runs Conceded
Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman both conceded only 7 runs in their four-over spells against Nepal. This ties with Rishad Hossain’s performance against the USA in Houston earlier this year for the fewest runs conceded by a Bangladeshi bowler in a men's T20I while bowling four overs.
Nepal's Unfortunate Record
85 Runs by Nepal
Nepal's total of 85 is the third-lowest all-out total in men's T20Is that featured a fifty-run partnership. The lowest is Norway's 76 against Germany in 2021, despite a 59-run stand for the eighth wicket. Cameroon also recorded a total of 76 against Ghana in 2022, which included a 52-run opening partnership. In the context of the men's T20 World Cup, Ireland’s 101 against Sri Lanka in 2021 was the previous lowest all-out total with a fifty partnership.
Bangladesh's Struggle Against Associates
106 Runs by Bangladesh
Bangladesh's score of 106 is the second-lowest total by a Full Member team against an Associate team in the men's T20 World Cup. The lowest remains England’s 88 all out against the Netherlands in 2014.
Lowest Totals by Full Members
Bangladesh's 106 all out is also the fifth-lowest score by a Full Member team against an Associate in men's T20Is. Previously, their lowest was 108 all out against Hong Kong during the 2014 T20 World Cup.
Bangladesh’s ability to defend a low total against Nepal highlights their resilience and strategic prowess in the T20 format. Despite a subpar batting performance, their bowlers, led by Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman, ensured a place in the Super Eight stage with a memorable and record-setting victory.