Bangladesh produced a well-rounded display to keep their hopes of reaching the Super Eights very much alive with a hard-fought 25-run victory over the Netherlands in yesterday's T20 World Cup encounter at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown.
The key for the Tigers was a much-needed spark from their talismanic all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan. After a string of lean scores, Shakib finally found his touch with the bat, anchoring the innings with a composed unbeaten 64 from just 46 deliveries. His knock, Bangladesh's first T20I fifty for Shakib in 19 innings, provided much-needed stability, particularly alongside the early aggression of Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who smashed a brisk 35 from 26 balls. Together, the pair put on a vital 54-run stand in the Powerplay overs despite losing two early wickets.
Shakib then expertly marshalled the middle order, guiding the likes of Mahmudullah Riyad (25) to contribute around him. A late flurry of boundaries in the final five overs saw Bangladesh post a competitive 159 for 5.
"It was crucial for someone in the top four to bat through the innings," admitted Shakib at the post-match presentation, where he was deservedly named player of the match. "I'm pleased to have made a contribution. The pitch was a tricky customer early on, but we held our nerve. It was a challenging total, not necessarily a winning one, but the bowlers responded magnificently."
The Dutch looked well-placed in their chase at one stage, reaching 104 for 3 after 15 overs. However, the tide turned dramatically thanks to a superb spell from young spinner Rishad Hossain. The turning point came when the dangerous Sybrand Engelbrecht miscued a delivery from Hossain, the ball taking a vicious turn and bounce before being pouched by a sharp catch from Tanzim Sakib at deep midwicket. In the same over, Hossain accounted for Bas de Leede, who was deceived by the turn and brilliantly stumped by Liton Das.
The experienced Mustafizur Rahman then tightened the screws, bowling a miserly spell of 4-1-12-1, with a staggering 17 dot balls. His control and accuracy proved decisive in stifling the Dutch scoring rate.
Speaking after the win, Shakib praised the contributions of both Hossain and Mustafizur. "The way Rishad and Fizz bowled simply took the game away from the Netherlands," he declared.
"There's been very little international cricket played here in the last few years, so judging a good score was difficult. We had to prioritise building partnerships and wickets in hand until the 14th or 15th over before launching in the latter stages. Defending 160 in a World Cup match is always a tricky proposition, and the Netherlands did have their moments. Chasing ten an over in the last few overs on this ground, with the wind swirling, was a tough ask. But huge credit to the bowlers for holding their nerve and seeing us home."
While the bowling attack has impressed in both of Bangladesh's opening matches, particularly in the death overs, a more consistent batting display is still desired. Nevertheless, the Tigers will be brimming with confidence heading into their crucial encounter against Nepal, where victory will guarantee their place in the Super Eights.
