In a crucial T20 World Cup Group D fixture at Kingstown, Bangladesh, at 23-2, faced a pivotal decision: to retreat or attack. Tanzid Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan chose to attack, setting a strong foundation. Shakib's unbeaten 64 off 46 balls helped Bangladesh post 159-5 on a pitch that didn't favour fluent stroke-play. They won by 25 runs, limiting the Netherlands to 134-8, thus moving closer to the Super Eights.
The Netherlands started well, dismissing Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das early, with Aryan Dutta shining in the Powerplay. However, Shakib’s aggressive approach, including four boundaries off Logan van Beek, propelled Bangladesh to 54-2 after the Powerplay. Tanzid supported with 35 off 26 balls, sharing a 48-run partnership with Shakib before falling to Paul van Meekeren. Mahmudullah added 25 off 21 balls, and Jaker Ali’s quick 14 off 7 balls boosted the total.
In response, the Netherlands struggled early, losing openers Michael Levitt and Max O'Dowd within six overs. Vikramjit Singh briefly counter-attacked with sixes off Shakib and Rishad Hossain but fell to Mahmudullah for 26 off 16 balls. Sybrand Engelbrecht and Scott Edwards kept hopes alive, bringing the equation to 49 off 33 balls. However, Rishad’s 3-33 spell, including key wickets of Engelbrecht (33 off 22 balls) and de Leede, dashed their hopes.
Bangladesh's comprehensive win places them in a favourable position for the Super Eights, showcasing their resilience and strategic acumen.
Here are the key moments from the match.
BAN, 1st Innings
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