Bangladesh defeated the Netherlands by nine runs in their opening Super-12 game of the T20 World Cup here on Monday, thanks to pacer Taskin Ahmed’s career-best figures of 4/25. Paol van Meekeren led the way with 2/21 as the Netherlands recovered from the Power Play to limit Bangladesh to 144 for eight. Bangladesh needed to improve their bowling, which Taskin achieved by assisting his squad in dismissing the opponents for 135.
Colin Ackermann’s blistering knock off 62
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The quick bowler got right into the act, striking twice on the opening two balls. Colin Ackermann battled courageously in his 48-ball 62 but had little help from the other batsmen. This was Bangladesh’s first victory in a T20 World Cup second round. On Thursday, they will meet South Africa in Sydney. In contrast, the Netherlands will face India.
Bangladesh defending a Total of 145
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Bangladesh, defending a modest 145, got off to a flying start when Taskin rocked the Netherlands with two wickets in as many deliveries, sending back Vikramjit Singh (0) and Bas de Leede (0).
Bangladesh then ran out Max O’Dowd (8) and Tom Cooper (0) within the Power Play, leaving the Netherlands’ pursuit in shambles at 15/4 after four overs. The experienced Shakib Al Hasan eliminated his adversary Scott Edwards (16) with a delivery down the leg side just as the Dutch appeared to be recovering.
Twist in a Match
Also Read: Black Caps win by 89 runs in Sydney as they demolished Australia demolished in the T20 World Cup openerOn the other end, rookie Hasan Mahmud quietly went about his business with his skiddy and rapid arm movement, returning with miserly stats 4-1-15-2 to bring the team closer to a come-from-behind victory. Earlier, Van Meekeren started Bangladesh’s downfall by removing Soumya Sarkar (14; 14b; 2×4) within the Power Play, and Bangladesh went on to lose five wickets for 33 runs.
Atif Hossan’s courageous 27-ball 38 kept the innings together at one end, but there was little assistance for him in the middle, with the likes of skipper Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das (9) being out cheaply. Afif smashed two boundaries and three sixes, with Mosaddek Hossain (12-ball 20 not out; 2×4, 1×6) providing support.
Shariz Ahmed, a 19-year-old leg-spinner making his T20 World Cup debut, claimed the prized scalp of Shakib when the Bangladesh star skipper miscued a slog sweep and was caught at the square boundary. Ahmed returns with an excellent 3-0-27-1 record. The Dutch skipper Scott Edwards made a daring choice by playing two young spinners, as 20-year-old left-arm spinner Tim Pringle also returned with a clean 2-0-10-1 to hinder Bangladesh’s revival.
Shakib Al Hasan: It was a big triumph for me because I’d played every edition but hadn’t won. We were 10 runs short, but our pacers bowled well. We now recognize the value of quick bowling across all formats. We’ve discovered talent, Hasan is fresh, and Taskin has grown in recent years. Given our youthful team, we hope to be the top fielding team. We believe we can save 5-10 runs, which will make a significant impact.
Taskin Ahmed: It was an important victory for us. We did well as a team and are pleased to have contributed. (On the first two balls) I kept to my basics after noticing movement in the first inning. As a result, I bowled Test-match lengths. (On his experiences with and from Allan Donald) The major focus was on my ability to move the ball both ways. I worked on it before the World Cup.
The fact that the Netherlands persevered till the finish and kept this as close as it could be is admirable. At the end, kudos to Ackermann Klaasen and Van Meekeren.”
Mustafa Moudi: Just wanted to thank Rajat for saying at the end of the 19th over of Bangladesh’s innings that if they can add 10 more runs, they have the bowlers to defend 145. Not only was the objective (145) correct, but so was the margin. NED would have won this match if Bangladesh had scored 10 less runs. Excellent work, Rajat!”