* Pair share 7 wickets and gave away a mere 14 runs (Match 37)
By Dwayne Ferreira
Bangladesh’s nail-biting defense of 106, the lowest total ever defended in the men’s T20 World Cup, secured their place in the Super Eight, thanks to an outstanding performance by Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman.
Bangladesh 106 (Shakib 17, Kami 2-10, Lamichhane 2-17, Paudel 2-20, Airee 2-22) beat Nepal 85 (Malla 27, Tanzim 4-7, Mustafizur 3-7) by 21 runs.
Tanzim’s early spell, which saw him take 4 wickets for just 7 runs, set the tone for a tense victory over Nepal. Despite a formidable bowling performance by Nepal, which had Bangladesh struggling at 31 for 4 in the powerplay, Tanzim’s brilliance ensured Nepal’s chase never gained momentum. His figures of 4-2-7-4 reduced Nepal to 26 for 5, making it an uphill battle for the opposition.
Nepal, who had previously come close to defeating South Africa, looked poised to upset another Full Member team. However, Tanzim’s exceptional bowling dismantled their top order, leaving them reeling. Mustafizur Rahman then showcased his death bowling expertise, defending a modest target by taking 3 crucial wickets, including a pivotal wicket maiden in the penultimate over.
Nepal’s hopes were dashed early when Tanzim struck twice in his second over. Kushal Bhurtel was bowled by a late-swinging full toss, and Anil Sah was caught at mid-off. Rohit Paudel’s dismissal in Tanzim’s next over further compounded Nepal’s woes, leaving them at 26 for 5. Tanzim’s relentless pressure was a key factor, as he bowled two maiden overs, one of which was a double-wicket maiden.
Mustafizur’s contribution was equally vital. When Nepal needed 30 off 24 balls, Mustafizur’s tight bowling and key wickets sealed the win for Bangladesh. His ability to execute under pressure ensured Nepal could not recover from their early collapse.
Nepal’s middle order attempted a recovery, with Dipendra Singh Airee and Malla adding crucial runs. Malla’s aggressive approach, including a six off Mahmudullah, brought some hope, but Mustafizur’s precise bowling ended the partnership and Nepal’s resistance.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s top order faltered again. Sompal Kami and Nepal’s spinners exploited the conditions, reducing Bangladesh to 31 for 4. Despite efforts from Shakib Al Hasan and lower-order contributions from Rishad Hossain and Taskin Ahmed, Bangladesh managed only 106. Nepal’s bowlers, particularly Kami and Lamichhane, kept Bangladesh under constant pressure.
Bangladesh’s defense of 106 marked the lowest total ever successfully defended in the men’s T20 World Cup, showcasing their resilience and the brilliance of their bowlers. This victory also made it the first time Bangladesh won three games in a T20 World Cup, highlighting their growing prowess in the format.
This match will be remembered for Tanzim’s extraordinary spell and Mustafizur’s calmness under pressure, propelling Bangladesh into the Super Eight with confidence and momentum.
Chief Scores
Bangladesh 106 all out in 19.3 overs (Shakib Al Hassan 17, Sompal Kami 2 for 10, Sandeep Lamichhane 2 for 17, Rohit Paudel 2 for 20, Dipendra Singh Airee 2 for 22)
Nepal 85 all out in 19.2 overs (Kushal Mall 27, Dipendra Singh Airee 25, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 4 for 7, Mustafizur Rahman 3 for 7)
Player of the Match – Tanzim Hasan Sakib
