Bangladesh stormed to a seven-wicket victory over Nepal, chasing down 130 with 151 balls to spare to move top of Group B with a strong net run rate of 1.56.
Md Sobuj set the tone with a decisive 3 for 27, ripping through Nepal’s middle order after a promising 40-run opening stand. Nepal collapsed from 60 for 2 to 61 for 5, and although Abhisekh Tiwari’s 30 and Aashish Luhar’s 23 offered brief resistance, the innings ended at 130 all out as Shahriar Ahmed and Azizul Hakim cleaned up the tail.
Bangladesh’s chase was anchored superbly by Zawad Abrar, whose unbeaten 70 off 68 balls showcased maturity and control. Early jitters saw Rifat Beg bowled and captain Azizul Hakim run out in successive deliveries, but Abrar steadied the innings alongside Kalam Siddiki, with the pair adding a match-winning 92-run stand for the third wicket.
Siddiki’s 34 took Bangladesh to within touching distance of victory, before Rizan Hossan sealed the win with a six. Apart from conceding 17 wides, it was a near-perfect outing for Bangladesh, who now sit firmly in command of Group B.
