Competition details
Bangladesh vs Nepal
June 16, Kingstown, 7.30pm local
The big picture: Bangladesh at the top of the Super Eight
But Bangladesh are overconfident, having just lost a T20I series against the US. Their top-order batting is worrying but their middle-order batsmen and bowlers have taken them to this promising level.
Nepal are still smarting from their one-run defeat against South Africa. At one point they wondered how they had confused the chase ahead. Gulson Jha’s run out in the last ball left their fan base heartbroken, but their overall performance against one of the best teams in the competition gives them confidence for the next challenge. Kushal Purdel and Dipendra Singh Airey shared seven wickets against South Africa at the same ground, while Asif Shaikh is fresh off a stylish 42. Their big hitters are also an X-factor.
Nepal have enough firepower to win, but Bangladesh, in this match, have shown the will to stay in the fight for a long time. The key battles will be between their middle order and Nepal’s spinners, especially how they play Sandeep Lamichane. Bangladesh’s pacers, meanwhile, will exploit the inexperience among the Nepalese batsmen.
With Nepal looking to end the tournament with a win and Bangladesh equally motivated to get two points, expect another tight game in a thriller-filled T20 World Cup.
Form Guide
Bangladesh WLWWL (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
Nepal LLLLLW
Attention: Tansit Hasan and Asif Shaikh
Tansit Hasan Hasn’t done much in the T20 World Cup so far, but the left-arm opener had an impressive innings against the Netherlands. Since arriving in North America four weeks ago, his powerplay boundaries have given Bangladesh their best start in the top six. Tanzid is strong on both ends of the pitch and shows presence of mind whenever the bowlers ask him tough questions. Staying long for a big score is now a thing.
Asif Shaikh He was recognized as the Nepal wicketkeeper who won the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2022 for not running out the stumping Andy McBrien. Those who saw him bat for the first time against South Africa saw another side of Shaikh: a charismatic opener who would dazzle with his flicks. Shaken’s offside strokeplay was also promising. After scoring 42 runs against South Africa’s attack, he needs to do better.
Team News: More spinners in the field
Bangladesh (Probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Najmul Hossain Santo (capt), 3 Liton Das (weekly), 4 Shakib Al Hasan, 5 Tawhid Hiridoi, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tansim Taskin, 10 11 Mustafizur Rahman.
Nepal’s left-arm spinners Lalit Rajbanshi and Sagar Tagal prefer more flexible options.
Nepal (Probable): 1 Kushal Purdel, 2 Asif Shaikh (weekly), 3 Rohit Boutal (captain), 4 Anil Chah, 5 Dipendra Singh Airey, 6 Kushal Malla, 7 Gulsan Jha, 8 Chompal Kami, 9 Karan KC, 10 Sandeep Lamichane. , 11 Abinash Bohara.
Pitch and conditions
Arnos Vale has become a haven for spin after taking 12 wickets for the spinners in the Nepal-South Africa match. Light rain is forecast in the region on Sunday evening, in case of a washout, Bangladesh advance to the Super Eight.
Quotations
„If we were going to play on the same wicket, it would be a spin fight. But we are playing on a completely different wicket, a new wicket. So we expect normal behaviour. We don’t think about anything. Differently, until the first ball is bowled, we can read the pitch.
Bangladesh fast bowler Tansim Hasan Which pitch will they play against Nepal?
„If I were to speak as a fan from the outside, I know they are more than capable. But as a fan who loves the game, I would say that Nepal should definitely leave their footprints through the game and allow them to enter Tests. I am a strong believer in this class of 2023. I hope, world cricket knows that they are united.
Nepalese coach Mandy Desai Their South African heartbreak speaks volumes
Mohammad Izam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84