Shakib Al Hasan, the seasoned all-rounder, played a pivotal role as Bangladesh edged closer to a Super Eight berth in the ICC T20 World Cup with a win over the Netherlands on Thursday.
Shakib's 13th T20 fifty, an undefeated 64 from 46 balls featuring nine boundaries, was central to Bangladesh posting a competitive 159-5.
The match, which saw international cricket return to Arnos Vale for the first time in a decade, ended with the Dutch side reaching 134-8, leaving them 25 runs short. Bangladesh's triumph places them in a strong position to progress from Group D, with four points from three games, and in contention to join South Africa in the Super Eights.
Opener Tanzid Hasan contributed a brisk 35 off 26 balls, and Mahmudullah's late cameo of 25 off 21 balls bolstered Bangladesh's total. Despite a shaky start, losing two wickets for 23 runs, partnerships steadied the innings, with Shakib and Tanzid's third-wicket stand proving particularly valuable.
The Netherlands' chase was promising until the fall of Sybrand Engelbrecht's wicket, after which their hopes began to fade. The Bangladesh bowlers, especially Rishad Hossain with his leg-spin yielding 3-33, tightened their grip on the match.
As Bangladesh prepare for their final group match against Nepal, a victory would ensure their place in the Super Eights. Nepal, too, holds onto their Super Eight dreams, contingent on a win against Bangladesh and favourable results against Sri Lanka.
With four teams already in the Super Eights, Bangladesh are poised to join the ranks, their recent performances suggesting they are well-equipped for the challenge ahead.
