Nepal began the match with high hopes of finishing their tournament on a positive note
17 June, 2024
PHOTO: AFP
Bangladesh defeated Nepal by 21 runs on Monday at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent, securing their place in the Super 8 of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.
Nepal began the match with high hopes of finishing their tournament on a positive note. Their start was promising as Sompal Kami dismissed Tanzid Hasan with the first delivery, catching and bowling him out. The situation worsened for Bangladesh when their captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, was bowled in the second over. Nepal continued their dominant performance by taking additional wickets in the fifth and sixth overs, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 31/4 by the end of the Powerplay.
As the field spread out, Bangladesh managed to push past 50 runs, but the crucial loss of Mahmudullah (13 off 13) due to a run-out compounded their difficulties. At the drinks break, Bangladesh was at a precarious 57/5. Off-spinner Rohit Paudel intensified the pressure, dismissing Shakib Al Hasan (17 off 22) with a sharp-turning delivery for an LBW. The situation deteriorated further as Sandeep Lamichhane claimed two key wickets, marking his 100th T20 International wicket in his 54th match. Bangladesh's innings ended at 106, with a last-wicket stand adding a vital 18 runs.
Nepal's chase started shakily, with a double-wicket maiden in the third over from Tanzim Hasan Sakib intensifying the pressure. By the end of the Powerplay, Nepal was reeling at 24/4. Although they stabilized somewhat with Kushal Malla and Dipendra Singh Airee at the crease, reaching 42/5 at drinks, they still faced a challenging run rate.
Malla's dismissal in the 17th over after scoring 27 off 40 deliveries was a significant blow. However, Airee kept Nepal's hopes alive with a timely six, leaving them needing 22 runs off the last 12 balls. Mustafizur Rahman then delivered a game-changing 19th over, taking a wicket-maiden that effectively sealed the match for Bangladesh. This remarkable sequence ensured Bangladesh's victory by 21 runs, marking the lowest total ever successfully defended in a T20 World Cup match.
