MUSCAT (Oman): Bangladesh overcame a minor scare to keep their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 hopes alive with a 26-run win over hosts Oman.
Opener Mohammad Naim made an immediate impact on his first appearance of the tournament with 64, while Shakib Al Hasan made 42 to set a first innings total of 153 all out.
And despite a quickfire 40 from Jatinder Singh, some economical bowling from Mahedi Hasan (1/14) and Mohammad Saifuddin (1/16) left Oman with too much to do in reply.
Following defeat to Scotland, Bangladesh got their tournament back on track and will look to back it up against Papua New Guinea with the top side in Group B going into Group 2 of the Super 12 and the runners-up heading into Group 1.
Oman, meanwhile, will have to bounce back against Scotland who lead the way after two matches.
Both batting and bowling, Bangladesh found themselves in early trouble losing Liton Das and Mahedi to slip to 21 for two after electing to bat.
However, it could have been worse with Jatinder dropping Naim over the boundary before Kashyap Prajapati gave him another life the following over at midwicket.
That would prove costly as Naim and Shakib built a handy partnership, the veteran all-rounder taking the initiative including back-to-back boundaries off the bowling of Mohammad Nadeem.
He had raced to 42 from 28 runs as the pair put on 80 but just as Shakib looked like he was going to cut loose, he took on a risky single and paid the price as Aqib Ilyas produced a brilliant direct hit.
From that point onwards, Bangladesh were unable to put any partnerships together as Bilal Khan, Fayyaz Butt and Kaleemullah all chipped in with wickets.
(ICC Media)
