Bangladesh achieved a remarkable feat in the men's T20 World Cup by defending the lowest total ever, 106 runs, to secure a 21-run victory over Nepal at the Arnos Vale Ground on Monday (IST). After being sent in to bat, Bangladesh struggled and were bowled out for 106. However, Tanzim Hasan Sakib's impressive spell dismantled Nepal's top order early on, while Mustafizur Rahman's superb bowling in the death overs further strengthened Bangladesh's defense.
Nepal began strongly with Sompal Kami dismissing Tanzid Hasan on the first ball of the match and removing Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto soon after. They continued to dominate with quick wickets, restricting Bangladesh to 31/4 at the end of the Powerplay.
Despite a shaky start, Bangladesh tried to rebuild their innings, but lost crucial wickets including that of Mahmudullah due to a run out mix-up. At the drinks break, Bangladesh were struggling at 57/5 and needed a strong finish.
Rohit Paudel's spin added to Bangladesh's woes by dismissing Shakib Al Hasan lbw, while Sandeep Lamichhane's crucial wickets further dented Bangladesh's hopes. Lamichhane's second wicket was his 100th in T20 Internationals, making it a historic moment for the young bowler. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 106 in the final over.
In response, Nepal's chase faltered early with a double-wicket maiden in the third over. They stumbled to 24/4 during the Powerplay and continued to lose wickets regularly. Kushal Malla and Dipendra Singh Airee provided some resistance with a partnership of 52 runs, but once Malla was dismissed in the 17th over, Nepal's hopes dwindled.
Despite a late surge from Airee, who hit a timely maximum to keep Nepal in the hunt, Mustafizur Rahman's decisive wicket-maiden in the penultimate over ensured Bangladesh's victory. This historic win meant Bangladesh defended the lowest ever total in a T20 World Cup match, securing their place in the Super Eight stage.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh 106 all out in 19.3 overs (Shakib al Hasan 17; Sompal Kami 2-10, Sandeep Lamichhane 2-17) beat Nepal 85 all out in 19.2 overs (Kushal Malla 27; Tanzim Hasan Shakib 4-7) by 21 runs
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