World T20 2016 Match 3 Review: Bangladesh edge Netherlands in humdinger

Bangladesh continued their fine form they had shown in the Asia Cup with an 8 run win over the Netherlands in the opening encounter of Group A of the World T20 qualifier. In another first, this was the first World Cup match played at Dharamsala. Despite fighting valiantly, the Dutch conceded the tie as the Bangladeshis proved too tough an opponent.

With a hint of grass on the wicket, an uncertain Peter Borren decided to field first. Despite losing Soumya Sarkar early on in the innings, Tamim Iqbal showed the form he was capable of with a few classic shots. He was joined by Shabbir Rahman, who in turn, gave the majority of the strike to his partner Tamim Iqbal. The latter continued on his merry way despite the fact that Shabbir Rahman had been dismissed for 15 by the impressive Roelof van der Merwe.

Tamim Iqbal continued his onslaught as he continued to lose partners at the other end. The impressive Timm van der Gugten disturbed the stumps of Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahmin in the same over as the momentum swung back the way of the Dutch momentarily. Despite Iqbal continuing his fine effort, Gugten wasn’t done. He dismissed skipper Mashrafe Mortaza after the latter had smashed him for a boundary. Gugten was well supported at the other end by fellow seamer Paul van Meekeren who made a telling contribution as he picked up 2 wickets. The innings, however, belonged to Tamim Iqbal as he remained unbeaten on 83 off just 58 balls. The Bangladesh innings closed on 153/7, a competitive score in trying circumstances.

In contrast to the Bangladesh innings, the Dutch innings got off to a slow start. Mybrugh put the odd ball away to the fence while Wesley Barresi took a much more cautious approach. Barresi however, threw away his wicket by falling for the short ball trap. Ben Cooper and Mybrugh continued the innings repair when they 32 runs in quick time before Mybrugh was cleaned up by Left-armer Nasir Hossain.

Peter Borren began an aggressive approach to the innings as he looked to whack each and every ball he faced. Tom Cooper played a disappointing innings as he was soon removed by Al-Amin Hossain. Roelof van der Merwe and Peter Borren himself lost his wicket as the matched looked to be well and truly done and dusted. However, no one would have expected the innings to follow from Pakistani born Muddasar Bukhari. He showed great composure as he smashed Al-Amin Hossain for consecutive fours and sixes to put the Dutch back within touching distance of the Bangladeshi total. Disaster struck a few minutes later when Bukhari lost his wicket in a rather unfortunate run out. This time, there was to be no revival as Taskin Ahmed closed out the Netherlands innings at145/ 7 in 20 overs. Tamim Iqbal was adjudged the man of the match for his impressive performance with the bat.

Brief Scores

Bangladesh 153/7 in 20 overs (Iqbal 83*; Gugten 3/21)

Netherlands 145/7 in 20 overs (Borren 29; Al-AMin 2/24)