After a period of lackluster performances, Shakib Al Hasan finally found his form in the T20 World Cup, and Rishad Hossain continued his impressive display, as Bangladesh cruised to a 25-run victory over the Netherlands in Kingstown.
This marks Bangladesh's second win in the World Cup, following their win against Sri Lanka, and puts them one step closer to the Super Eights. Bangladesh’s second win meant that Sri Lanka, who are also in Group A, are out of the contest of the next phase.
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Bangladesh bowlers, particularly in the final five overs, were instrumental in securing the win. Mustafizur Rahman was exceptional, conceding just 10 runs in his first three overs and only one in the 19th, effectively sealing the match.
Taskin Ahmed successfully defended 33 runs in the last over, to clinch the victory for Bangladesh.
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While Mustafizur excelled at restricting the opposition's scoring, Rishad was the wicket-taker, claiming three crucial wickets, including two in a single over, while conceding 33 runs. In Bangladesh’s first match in Dallas, Rishad had taken three wickets too.
Sybrand Engelbrecht top-scored for the Netherlands, but his efforts weren't enough to secure a win for his team.
Earlier, Bangladesh lost Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das early, both for just a single run, after attempting sweepshots. However, Shakib and Tanzid Hasan Tamim steadied the innings, with Tanzid contributing a crucial 35 off 26 balls. Shakib played a pivotal role, scoring 64 of 46 balls.
Mahmudullah Riyad and Jaker Ali also played valuable knocks in the later overs, helping Bangladesh surpass the 150-run mark, a departure from the low-scoring trend in recent matches.
After the match, both Shanto and Shakib lauded Bangladesh's bowling attack, with Shanto praising the contributions of Taskin, Mustafizur, and Rishad.
“Fizz showed his experience and skill.” Shanto remarked to the broadcaster. “Rishad stepped up like all the bowlers.”
Shakib expressed satisfaction with his own performance, having fulfilled the role of a top-order batsman, who anchors the innings.
“Happy to contribute,” Shakib said. “It was a tough pitch at the start, but we held our nerves. It was a challenging total, not an easy one, but our bowlers chipped in perfectly. Rishad and Fizz took the game away from the Netherlands.”