Bangladesh beat Nepal by 21 runs – T20 World Cup 2024

Saint Vincent always promised a lot of drama with its spin-friendly track.

We certainly had that today as Bangladesh held off Nepal to finish their group stage campaign with a win, and more importantly, gain entry into the Super Eights.

Nepal, who could have had South Africa and Bangladesh as prized scalps, will head home with visions of what could have been.

Bangladesh will next play Australia on June 20 in the Super Eights, followed by India on June 22 and Afghanistan on June 24.

There is still some group-stage action left, so make sure to stay tuned to Al Jazeera as we continue to cover select matches throughout this tournament.

Till then, and on behalf of Kevin Hand, this is Rohan Sharma signing off.

Bangladesh 🆚 Nepal | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Bangladesh won by 21 runs 👏🇧🇩

Photo Credit: ICC/Getty#BCB #Cricket #BANvNEP #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/iZw7UoaeXE

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) June 17, 2024

Netherlands hopes of qualifying ended with Bangladesh beating Nepal so their match against Sri Lanka became a dead rubber.

The Sri Lankans posted 201-6 and had reduced the Dutch to 71-6 in the 10th over.

Victorious Bangladesh captain Shanto had this to say after his team secured qualification: “Very happy with how we played this qualifying round. We hope our batting will be fine in the next round.

“We didn’t score much but we believed we could defend our score.

“The way we bowled in this tournament – if we take early wickets, it is in our hands.

“Last couple of years, all the fast bowlers worked really hard. That is why we played some good cricket in this format. I hope they continue their form.

“Momentum is always important in T20s, But now we have to plan for the next round and execute our plans.”

Stellar bowling display by Mustafizur Rahman, recording figures of 3/7 🌟🇧🇩#BCB #Cricket #BANvNEP #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/RfQxV0kQ9M

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) June 17, 2024

Losing Nepal skipper Paudel had this to say at the post-match presentation: “As a bowling unit, we bowled really well. As a batting unit, we could have done better, especially the top-order batters.

“We could have batted a little tighter. Bangladesh bowled really well with the new ball. After that, we were under pressure,” he said.

“In the first six overs, we lost four wickets. After that, we built a partnership, but the top order could have done better, and they should have shown more responsibility.

“As a batting unit, we need to step up. We need to know when to score runs and how to assess the wicket.

“As a bowling and fielding unit, we are up to the mark – our only concern is the batting.

“This team has great potential. We have to back each and every player. Every future World Cup we will do better.”

With the first halve of the innings done we are 5 wickets down with 42 runs on the board 🏏

With Malla and Airee at the middle, find out what happens in the later halve !

📺 Watch the action live : https://t.co/aAUebD2xvi#OneBallBattles #NepalCricket #T20WorldCup… pic.twitter.com/R0pnamwMhZ

— CAN (@CricketNep) June 17, 2024

Hasaranga, the Sri Lanka captain, has taken two wickets.

Tanzim, who started things off with his 4 for 7, is adjudged player of the match.

“We just wanted to keep things simple, bowl in the good areas and not panic. We knew we could defend this score,” he said.

“Everyone bowled well. As a bowling attack, we were able to defend our score.”

“I just wanted to be aggressive and execute my plans. That was my focus and I did it.”

“We are excited to be in the Super Eights. We hope for the best.”

Tanzim Hasan Sakib tears through the batting order of Nepal with a fiery spell of 4/7 🔥🇧🇩
Photo Credit: ICC/Getty#BCB #Cricket #BANvNEP #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/MUQYmxmOqG

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) June 17, 2024

Despite being bundled out for 107, Bangladesh bowlers, led by Tanzim’s 4 for 7, scuttled Nepal in the final over of their innings to hold on to victory.

With this result, Bangladesh ensure qualification into the Super Eights.

They will go into Group 1, which includes India, Afghanistan and Australia.

This is the lowest total ever defended by a side in the T20 World Cup.

Shakib bowls one on the pads, which Bohara misses.

He was right in front when the ball hit the pads.

The bowler appeals, with the umpire raising his finger right away.

Nepal call for a review, though, since they still have one left.

Replays confirm he was struck in front.

Shakib is handed the ball for the final over.

He entices Sompal out of his crease, who is then promptly stumped by Das.

22 off 5 now as last man Bohara rocks up to the middle.

The danger is finally removed with the softest of edges behind.

Rahman bowls a wicket maiden in his final over as he finishes with figures of 3 for 7.

Nepal need 22 off the final over to deny Bangladesh a place in the Super Eights.

He begins with three dots as Nepal now need 22 off 9.

Jha, looking for the big shot, ends up offering a soft catch to the fielder at silly mid-on.

Bangladesh inch closer to being favourites again, but another few blows will throw things up in the air again.

The new batter is Sompal.

O’Dowd was caught by Kamindu Mendis off Thushara for 11.

Levitt has 31* off 22. Singh 2* from 5.

Taskin is welcomed into the attack with a scythe over deep point which sails for six.

Nepal now need 23 off 17.

Rahman gives up just one run.

Nepal need 29 off 18.

The leftie, looking to go down the ground, ends up skying it over long-on.

The back-peddling Shanto holds on to the catch despite falling over.

The 52-run stand is finally broken as Jha joins Airee.

Bangladesh will consider themselves ahead now with one set batter back in the shed.

Just one off the first three deliveries.

He pulls out the slog-sweep to good effect against Mahmudullah to go over deep midwicket for half-a-dozen.

He then helps himself to a boundary with a delicate glance through fine leg.

Just what the doctor ordered as Nepal now need 30 off 24.

All outcomes are possible again in Saint Vincent, and we have a game on our hands!

42 off 30 needed.

Bangladesh are favourites but a couple of lusty blows can flip this script.

Due to the impact being umpire’s call, Bangladesh do not lose their review.