T20 World Cup: Bangladesh enter Super Eight in style, Sri Lanka Ease past Netherlands

Kingstown: Propelled by Tanzim Hasan Sakib's career-best figures of 4 for 7, Bangladesh secured a place in the T20 World Cup Super Eights with a convincing 21-run victory over Nepal.

Despite being bowled out for 106, Bangladesh's bowlers, including Shakib al Hasan (2/9) and Mustafzur Rahaman (3/7), showed grit and restricted Nepal to 85. 

Nepal, who were at a point, cruising at 78 for 5, faltered in their chase as Mustafizur's crafty bowling sealed the win for Bangladesh, dismissing key opponent batsmen including Dipendra Singh Airee. 

Bangladesh's captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, expressed satisfaction with their bowling but emphasised the need for improvement in batting going ahead in the tournament. 

Meanwhile, Nepal's captain, Rohit Paudel, acknowledged their batting unit's shortcomings and pledged a stronger performance in future tournaments.

Sri Lanka save their best for last

In a decisive group D encounter at the T20 World Cup in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, Sri Lanka asserted their dominance with an emphatic 83-run victory over the Netherlands. Despite already being out of contention for the Super Eights, Sri Lanka showcased a formidable performance, setting a daunting target of 202 runs. Charith Asalanka's explosive 46 off 21 balls, including five sixes, was pivotal in Sri Lanka's commanding total.

The Netherlands began promisingly in their chase, with openers Michael Levitt (31) and Max O'Dowd (11) providing a solid start. However, once Maheesh Theekshana dismissed Levitt, the Dutch batting line-up faltered. They eventually collapsed to 118 all out, with Nuwan Thushara (3/24) and Matheesha Pathirana (2/12) leading Sri Lanka's disciplined bowling attack.

Sri Lanka's captain Wanindu Hasaranga acknowledged the significance of the victory, particularly after disappointing results in their earlier matches. Kusal Mendis' aggressive 46 set the stage for Sri Lanka's middle-order onslaught, reflecting a strategic shift that proved effective against the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Netherlands' skipper Scott Edwards conceded his team's underwhelming performance in the tournament, noting their inability to capitalise on promising moments against stronger opposition. Despite showing glimpses of potential, particularly in their 50-over campaigns, the Netherlands struggled to replicate their success in T20 format, underlining the need for improvement in future competitions. (Agencies)