Friday, April 26, 2024
Oman gave Bangladesh a good run for their money, but the Tigers’ experience prevailed as they managed to beat Oman by 26 runs in their do-or-die match on Tuesday to stay alive in the ICC T20 World Cup.
Shakib Al Hasan starred with an all-round performance as he scored 42 and picked up three wickets, earning the player of the match award. He had some help in both departments as Mohammad Naim scored 64, whereas Mustafizur Rahman picked up four wickets. Shak Mahedi Hasan also bowled a brilliant spell as he gave away just 14 runs in his four overs, picking up a wicket.
Chasing 154, Oman were in a strong position on 81-2, but their inexperience in international cricket showed as they could only manage 45 runs off the last eight overs and lose seven wickets to end on 127-9.
Winning the toss, Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah Riyad opted to bat first as Bangladesh brought Naim into the XI instead of Soumya Sarkar. Bilal Khan was Oman’s most successful bowler as he picked up three wickets for just 18 runs.
Bangladesh were off to a shaky start once again as they lost Liton Das (6) and Mahedi (0), who had been promoted to no.3, within powerplay scoring only 29.
Naim (64) and Shakib (42) then put on an 80-run stand to calm the nerves, but it came to an end in the 14th over when a brilliant direct hit from Aqib Ilyas sent Shakib back.
Naim picked up his fifty off 43 deliveries, becoming the fifth Bangladesh batsman to pick up a fifty in a T20 World Cup.
Nurul Hasan Sohan (3) and Afif Hossain (1) could not last long as they both went back within a span of eight deliveries. A couple of deliveries later, Naim headed back too.
Mushfiqur Rahim (6) and Mohammad Saifuddin (0) went back in consecutive deliveries, but Mahmudullah’s (17) cameo took the Tigers to 153.
Mustafiz struck early to send back Ilyas (6), but Oman managed 24 runs off the first two overs. He took another in the sixth over, but Oman managed to dig out 47 runs to have a great start. Mustafiz could have another, but Mahmudullah missed a dolly as Jatinder Singh survived.
Mustafiz was in action again in the 12th over as he took a great catch off Mahedi’s bowling to send Oman skipper Zeeshan Maqsood (12) back. Jatinder (40) was gone in the next over as he holed out to Liton off Shakib.
Mohammad Saifuddin then came back to send Sandeep Goud (4), before Shakib struck in consecutive deliveries to send back Ayaan Khan (9) and Naseem Khushi (4). Mustafiz took two in the 18th over to make it four for the match.
