Bangladesh on Cusp of Super Eight, Nepal Eyes Redemption

Bangladesh stands on the brink of securing a spot in the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup 2024. A victory over Nepal will seal their qualification, while a loss could only jeopardize their chances if Netherlands defeats Sri Lanka by a significant margin.

Bangladesh has emerged as the second-best team in Group D, despite concerns about their top-order batting. Their middle-order batters and bowlers have stepped up, with legspinner Rishad Hossain surprising with his seven wickets. The pace trio of Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Tanzim Hasan have provided a solid backbone.

Nepal, on the other hand, is still reeling from their heartbreaking one-run loss to South Africa. They will be eager to end the tournament on a high note, but Bangladesh's recent form suggests they will face a tough challenge.

Key battles will unfold between Bangladesh's middle-order and Nepal's spinners, particularly Sandeep Lamichhane. Bangladesh's fast bowlers will aim to exploit any inexperience among the Nepal batters.

Tanzim Hasan and Aasif Sheikh are players to watch. Hasan has shown promise as an opener, while Sheikh impressed with his batting against South Africa.

Bangladesh may consider adding left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam or offspin-bowling allrounder Mahedi Hasan to their lineup, given the spin-friendly conditions at Arnos Vale. Nepal could also opt for more bowling options with Lalit Rajbanshi and Sagar Dhakal.

Mustafizur Rahman has the lowest economy rate among bowlers in the last four overs at this T20 World Cup, while Aasif Sheikh's 42 against South Africa is Nepal's highest score against a Full Member side.

Bangladesh and Nepal have only faced off once before in a T20 World Cup match, in 2014. Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, and Sompal Kami are the only survivors from that encounter.

Tags: #T20WorldCup2024, #Bangladesh, #Nepal, #SuperEight, #RishadHossain