Sobuj, Abrar help Bangladesh seal comprehensive win over Nepal

Bangladesh secured a dominant seven-wicket victory against Nepal, propelled by Md Sobuj's impactful bowling performance and Zawad Abrar's stellar unbeaten innings of 70. Nepal's batting lineup faltered, collapsing twice to a total of just 130 runs, before Abrar guided Bangladesh through the chase.

Bangladesh reached 135 for 3, with Abrar's 70* and Kalam Siddiki's 34 leading the charge. Nepal's Khatri took 1 for 18. Sobuj's three wickets for 27 runs dismantled Nepal's middle order, paving the way for Abrar's unbeaten knock that sealed the win with a significant 151 balls remaining. This victory propelled Bangladesh to the top of Group B, boasting a net run rate of 1.56.

Nepal's Innings Wobbles

After being sent in to bat, Nepal initially showed promise with a 40-run opening partnership between Sahil Patel and Niraj Kumar Yadav. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. Saad Islam provided the breakthrough, dismissing Patel for 18. Sobuj then triggered a collapse, claiming three quick wickets. Niraj was caught behind, Nischal Kshetri was out for a golden duck, and Cibrin Shrestha was caught and bowled, resulting in Nepal plummeting from 60 for 2 to 61 for 5.

Aashish Luhar (23) and Abhisekh Tiwari (30) attempted to rebuild the innings, but another cluster of wickets prevented any substantial recovery. Following a 38-run partnership for the seventh wicket, Azizul Hakim and Shahriar Ahmed swiftly wrapped up the tail, as Nepal slumped from 119 for 6 to be all out for 130. Bangladesh's bowling performance was slightly marred by conceding 17 wides, contributing to a total of 23 extras.

Abrar Anchors the Chase

Abrar's composed innings of 70 not out from 68 balls, featuring seven fours and three sixes, was the cornerstone of Bangladesh's chase. The only moment of concern came when Rifat Beg was bowled for 5 in the fourth over, and captain Azizul Hakim was run out for 1 off the very next ball. Abrar and Siddiki then forged a crucial 92-run partnership from 115 balls for the third wicket. By the time Siddiki was dismissed, Bangladesh needed just ten more runs to win, and Rizan Hossan sealed the victory with a six.