Nepal was defeated by Bangladesh by 21 runs.
On Monday, June 17, Bangladesh defeated Nepal by a commanding 21 runs at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St. Vincent, securing their Super Eights spot in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Rohit Paudel, the captain of Nepal, chose to bowl first after winning the toss. With Sompal Kami, Dipendra Singh, and Paudel at the top, Nepal quickly overcame Bangladesh’s top tier. By the ninth over, the Bangla Tigers had conceded just 52 runs after losing their opening five wickets.
Despite their severe need for a partnership, Shanto and company were dropping wickets at a rate that prevented any of the Bangladeshi batters from staying long at the crease. Shakib Al Hasan, an experienced all-rounder, led his team in scoring with 17 runs. Bangladesh’s score of 69/7 put them in a vulnerable position at the end of the 14-over match. Bangladesh was able to raise their total to 106 runs in 19.3 overs because to some important contributions from its tailenders, Rishad Hossain and Taskin Ahmed.
With two wickets each, Kami and Sandeep Lamichhane, the elite leg spinner, were the most effective bowlers. In the meantime, the Nepalese camp demonstrated disciplined bowling as Paudel and Airee claimed a few wickets.
Bangladesh is overcome by spells of clinical bowling.
Due to Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh’s inability to form a reliable alliance at the top, Nepal had a terrible start. Anil Sah, Paudel, and Sundeep Jora, who made up the middle order, all returned to the pavilion without significantly increasing the total. Nepal was down five wickets in seven overs; they were now at 26/5.
Both teams were hoping to miraculously sail through with the match hanging in the balance. Alongside the seasoned Dipendra Singh Airee, young Kushal Malla produced a brilliant innings that added 52 runs for the sixth wicket.
In the space of two overs, Malla and Airee were back in the change room, thanks to Mustafizur Rahman, the left-arm seamer. Shanto gave the ball to their most seasoned player, Shakib, to finish the job with the score at 22 runs off the last over.
The all-rounder didn’t let Nepal down; in his final two deliveries, he claimed two wickets as the team finished their campaign in defeat. With the ball, Tanzim Hasan Sakib was the master wrecker, taking four wickets in his four overs. With a convincing victory, the Bangladeshi team guaranteed their place in the Super Eight round.
