Match Details
Bangladesh vs Nepal
June 16, Kingstown, 7:30 p.m. local time
The big picture: Bangladesh on the verge of Super 8
But Bangladesh are confident and are a team recovering from their recent T20I series defeat against the USA. The batting at the top of the order remains a concern, but the middle-order batsmen and bowlers have led them to this promising position.
Nepal are still upset over their one-run defeat to South Africa. They were left wondering how they had ruined the chase they were once in front of. Gulshan Jha’s run-out in the last ball disappointed many fans, but the overall performance against one of the tournament’s best teams gives them confidence for the next challenge. Kushal Burtel and Deependra Singh Airi shared seven wickets for South Africa at the same venue, while Asif Sheikh returned with a stylish 42. Their batsmen are also X-factors.
Nepal have the firepower to win, but Bangladesh have shown a willingness to fight for a longer period in this tournament. The key battle will be between the middle order and Nepal’s spinners, especially how they play Sandeep Lamichhane. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s fast bowlers will look to exploit the Nepalese batsmen’s lack of experience.
Nepal will be keen to end the tournament with a win while Bangladesh are equally motivated to pick up two points, so another fiercely contested match is expected in the thrilling T20 World Cup.
Form Guide
Bangladesh WLWWL (Last 5 completed T20Is, most recent first)
Nepal LLLLLW
People to watch: Tanzid Hasan and Asif Sheikh
Tangid Hasan Although he has not been particularly impressive in the T20 World Cup, the left-handed opener has put up a fascinating innings against the Netherlands. His powerplay boundaries have been plentiful, giving Bangladesh their best start in their first six games since arriving in North America four weeks ago. Tanjid is strong on both sides of the pitch, and shows his ability to improvise whenever the bowlers ask difficult questions. Now it is a matter of staying there long enough for a big score.
Asif Shaikh Better known as the Nepalese wicketkeeper who won the ICC Spirit of Cricket award for not dislodging the staggering Andy McBrain in 2022, those who saw him bat for the first time against South Africa saw a different side of Sheikh. He is an attractive opener who can impress with his flicks. Sheikh’s offside stroke play also looked promising. After scoring 42 runs against the South African attack, he will be aiming to improve further.
Team News: More spinners coming soon.
Bangladesh (Amah): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Najmul Hosain Shanto (cap), 3 Litton Das (wk), 4 Shakib Al Hasan, 5 Towhid Hridoy, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan, 10 Taskin Ahmed. 11 Mustafizur Rahman.
Nepal have left-arm spinners Lalit Rajbanshi and Sagar Dhakal if they want more Boeing options.
Nepal (Probably): 1 Kushal Bhurtel, 2 Aasif Sheikh (Chief), 3 Rohit Paudel (Captain), 4 Anil Sah, 5 Dipendra Singh Airee, 6 Kushal Malla, 7 Gulsan Jha, 8 Sompal Kami, 9 Karan KC, 10 Sandeep Lamichhane, 11 Avinash Bohara.
Pitch and Conditions
Arnos Vale was a spin paradise during the Nepal-South Africa match, producing 12 wickets for the spinners. Light rain is forecast for the area on Sunday evening, and if it does, Bangladesh will advance to the Super Eight.
quotes
“If we were playing on the same wicket, you could say it would be a battle of spin. But we are playing on a completely different wicket, a new wicket. So we will expect normal behaviour. We don’t think differently until the first ball is bowled. After the first ball, we might be able to read the pitch.”
Bangladesh fast bowler Tanjim Hasan Where will the match against Nepal be held?
“If I have to speak only as an outside fan, I know they are more than capable of that. But as a fan who loves the game, I want to make sure Nepal have left their mark with that game and let the Test nations know that they belong in world cricket. I have a strong belief in this class of 2023, the players that have come together.”
Nepal Coach Monty Desai Talking about loss in South Africa
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84
