🏏ICC T20I WC 2024: Match 37: Bangladesh vs Nepal,@5:00 AM IST🏏 - Page 2

Stats that matter

• Mustafizur Rahman boasts the lowest economy rate (minimum three overs), of 2.25 per over, among bowlers in the last four overs at this T20 World Cup

• Aasif Sheikh's 42 against South Africa in their previous match is Nepal's highest score against a Full Member side.

• Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah and Sompal Kami are the only survivors from the Bangladesh vs Nepal match in 2014 - their only previous encounter - when they faced off at that year's T20 World Cup.

Thanks for the tag Madhu.

May the best team win.

I know BD wants to win and secure a place in Super 8s. All the best to them.

Cheers..

In an unusually unpredictable World Cup thus far, Group D has been an exception with results largely going to pre-tournament expectations. It was always going to be a dash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka for the second qualification spot, and the former's win in the encounter between the two sides hastened the end for the 2014 champions. If anything, the Netherlands have given a better account of themselves than the Lankans. Bangladesh come into their final league game with qualification almost a certainty, thanks to their superior net run rate in comparison to the Dutch.

Two continental rivals on the grandest global stage. For Bangladesh, a professional (even if slightly boring) win will do; Nepal would want adrenaline pumping their veins again, like it did on Friday, hoping that this time, they can celebrate at the end of it all. Hop on, this should be fun!

Nepal were supposed to be miles off South Africa on Friday. But they never felt or thought that way and were, arguably, a foot ahead after 35 overs of cricket, ultimately falling short of tying the game only by an inch, with a Super Eight spot, which might have been within reach had they won, agonizingly drifting away.

Coming so near, yet remaining so far hurts and it would have broken countless Nepalese hearts. However, that outing was also indicative of how strong Nepal are becoming, and how they seem very, very close to the watershed victory their fans deserve and their cricket warrants.

That pursuit brings them face to face with Bangladesh in Kingstown. A team that seemed bereft of ideas a month ago, only to start seeing light and solutions since the start of the tournament.

They are now just one game away from where they feel they should be at these ICC events: among the elite and with a shot at contesting the games that really matter. As always, though, there is a caveat. If they lose, Bangladesh and their fans might have to rent calculators, mutter prayers and hope for Sri Lanka, of all teams, to do them a favour.

Mustafizur Rahman has the lowest economy rate in the last four overs, among bowlers to have bowled a minimum of three overs this T20 World Cup. All that and much more in Mohammad Isam's preview, outlining how Nepal can ask Bangladesh some tough questions.

How many runs do the Netherlands need to win by? How many runs can Bangladesh lose by? All answers in this scenarios piece by S Rajesh.

Bishal Parajuli: "Nepal may be in infancy when it comes to competing in big boys league, but whenever presented an opportunity, it has showcased its capability to not only crawl and walk alongside its competitors but also outrun them.. Wish Nepal finish this memorable WC campaign on a winning note"

Najmul Shanto: Very excited. We played well last few games and the boys are very excited to play this game. No changes to our team.

Rohit Paudel: We'll bowl first, want to utilize the conditons. The second innings would be difficult because of dew. It was dissapointing, as a pro cricketer you need to comeback from such a situation. Looking forward to this game. A win will be very important for all in the country who have been supporting us. One change for us, Jora comes in for today

Nepal have won the toss and have opted to field

Nepal XI: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Rohit Paudel (c), Anil Sah, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Sundeep Jora, Sandeep Lamichhane, Abinash Bohara

Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Litton Das (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Go Nepal

I really hope they do well . Just like they played against SA