By Dwayne Ferreira.
* Shakib Al Hassan smashes 64 nout off 46 balls – (Match 27)
Bangladesh took a significant step towards the Super Eights at the T20 World Cup 2024 with a 25-run victory over the Netherlands in Kingstown, ending Sri Lanka’s hopes of qualifying from Group D.
Shakib Al Hasan returned to form, scoring his first T20I fifty in 20 innings, leading Bangladesh to 159 for 5. Despite an early challenge from the Netherlands, Rishad Hossain’s pivotal three-wicket haul turned the tide.
Netherlands’ Aryan Dutt made an immediate impact, dismissing Bangladesh’s captain with his second ball. Despite early setbacks, Bangladesh maintained a steady scoring rate. Tanzid Hasan and Shakib propelled the score to 54 for 2 in the powerplay, the highest of the tournament for Bangladesh. However, disciplined bowling from the Netherlands kept the middle overs tight, restricting Bangladesh to 58 runs and two wickets from the 7th to the 16th over.
Shakib’s composed 64* off 46 balls, aided by contributions from Mahmudullah and Jaker Ali, helped Bangladesh add 47 runs in the final four overs, setting a challenging target.
Michael Levitt’s brief resurgence ended quickly, and despite a spirited 16 ball 26 from Vikramjit Singh, Netherlands faltered at crucial junctures. Engelbrecht and Edwards kept the chase alive with a 42-run partnership, but Rishad Hossain’s triple strike dismantled their hopes. Mustafizur Rahman’s cutters in the penultimate over sealed the deal for Bangladesh, restricting the Netherlands to 134 for 8.
This win boosts Bangladesh’s chances of advancing to the Super Eights while eliminating Sri Lanka from contention. The Netherlands remains in the tournament but faces an uphill battle to progress.
Bangladesh’s win marks a vital step towards the Super Eights, showcasing strong performances under pressure.
Chief Scores
Bangladesh 159 for 5 in 20 overs (Shakib Al Hassen 64 not out, Tanzid Hasan 35, Paul Van Meekeren 2 for 15, Aryan Dutt 2for 17)
Netherlands 134 for 8 in 20 overs (Sybrand Engelbrecht 33, Vikramjit Singh 26, Rishard Hossain 3 for 33, Taskin Ahmed 2 for 30)
Player of the Match – Shakib Al Hassan
