Bangladesh created history by defending the lowest-ever total in a T20 World Cup game, securing a 21-run victory over Nepal in their Group D match at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown. This win earned them a spot in the Super Eight stage of the tournament.
Bangladesh posted a modest total of 106 all out in 19.3 overs. Despite the low score, the Tigers, led by a phenomenal opening spell from pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib, bowled Nepal out for just 85 in 19.2 overs.
Record-Breaking Performance by Sakib
Sakib’s incredible bowling performance was the highlight of the match. He delivered the most dot balls (21) in a T20 World Cup game and finished with figures of 4 for 7 in four overs, including two maidens. His performance is the second-best by a Bangladeshi bowler in T20 World Cups, only behind Mustafizur Rahman’s 5 for 22 against New Zealand in 2016.
Sakib struck early, taking two wickets in a maiden over and followed it up with the crucial wicket of Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel. Mustafizur Rahman also chipped in with vital wickets, including the dismissal of Dipendra Singh Airee in a brilliant penultimate over.
Struggles with the Bat
Bangladesh’s batting struggled on a slow pitch, with the team losing four top-order wickets inside the Powerplay. Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad attempted to stabilize the innings, but Bangladesh could only manage 106.
Nepal’s spinners, particularly Sandeep Lamichhane, were effective in keeping the Bangladesh batters in check. Lamichhane achieved the milestone of becoming the second-fastest bowler to 100 T20I wickets.
Bangladesh’s Tough Defense
Defending the low total, Sakib’s early breakthroughs and disciplined bowling from Mustafizur and Shakib Al Hasan ensured Nepal couldn’t capitalize on their middle-order partnership between Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Malla. Shakib sealed the victory by taking two wickets in the final over.
With this win, Bangladesh progresses to the Super Eight stage and joins Group 1 alongside Afghanistan, Australia, and India.
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