Bangladesh Clinches Super Eight Spot with Historic Win Over Nepal
Group D Drama in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup
In a thrilling encounter in Group D of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Bangladesh secured their progression to the Super Eight stage with a dramatic victory over Nepal. The Tigers managed to defend the lowest total ever successfully defended in T20I World Cup history, ensuring their place in the next round alongside South Africa.
First Innings: Bangladesh Struggles
Nepal started strong, with Sompal Kami taking the wicket of Tanzid Hasan with the first ball of the match. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto fell in the second over, leaving Bangladesh reeling. Despite efforts to stabilize, Bangladesh was 31/4 at the end of the Powerplay. Key dismissals, including a run-out of Mahmudullah and a sharp-turning delivery from Rohit Paudel to trap Shakib Al Hasan LBW, put Bangladesh in further trouble. Sandeep Lamichhane's double strike, which included his 100th T20I wicket, capped off Nepal's dominant performance as Bangladesh was bowled out for 106, thanks to a crucial last-stand contribution of 18 runs.
Second Innings: Nepal’s Chase
Nepal's chase got off to a rocky start, losing two wickets in a maiden over from Tanzim Hasan Sakib and stumbling to 24/4 by the end of the Powerplay. Despite steadying efforts from Kushal Malla and Dipendra Singh Airee, the required run rate kept climbing. Malla’s dismissal in the 17th over was a significant blow. However, Airee's timely maximum kept Nepal hopeful. Entering the final two overs, Nepal needed 22 runs, but Mustafizur Rahman's clutch 19th over wicket-maiden sealed the match for Bangladesh, who won by 21 runs.
Key Moments and Performances
Sompal Kami: Set the tone by dismissing Tanzid Hasan with the first ball.
Rohit Paudel and Sandeep Lamichhane: Key bowlers who decimated Bangladesh's lineup.
Mustafizur Rahman: Delivered a match-winning 19th over with a wicket-maiden.
