Nepal’s dream run in the ICC T20 World Cup came to an end on Saturday after they were defeated by Bangladesh by 21 runs in their final Group D match.
Chasing a modest target of 107 set by Bangladesh, Nepal was bowled out for just 85 runs in 19.2 overs. Opener Kushal Malla top-scored for Nepal with 27 runs, while Dipendra Singh Airee chipped in with 25 runs.
For Bangladesh, leg-spinner Tanzim Hasan Sakib was the star of the show, taking four wickets for just seven runs. Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman also chipped in with two wickets each.
Earlier, Bangladesh were restricted to 106 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Shakib Al Hasan was the top scorer for Bangladesh with 17 runs, while Mahmudullah and Rishad Hossain chipped in with 13 runs each.
For Nepal, Sompal Kami and Sandeep Lamichhane picked up two wickets each.
With this defeat, Nepal will return home from the World Cup with one point, while Bangladesh has progressed to the Super 8 stage of the tournament.
Bangladesh Innings
- Shakib Al Hasan – 17 (22)
- Mahmudullah – 13 (13)
- Rishad Hossain – 13 (7)
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib – 4/7 (4 overs)
Nepal Innings
- Kushal Malla – 27 (40)
- Dipendra Singh Airee – 25 (31)
- Aasif Sheikh – 17 (14)
- Sompal Kami – 2/10 (3 overs)
- Sandeep Lamichhane – 2/17 (4 overs)
Bangladesh will now join South Africa in Super 8. It is yet to be determined which other two teams will qualify from Group D.
