Bangladesh, Oman win in WT20 qualifiers

Dharamsala, March 10: Oman stunned Ireland by two wickets, while the Netherlands scared Bangladesh but fell short by eight runs in World T20 qualifying matches at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium here on Wednesday.

Bangladesh rode on Tamim Iqbala¿s 58-ball 83 to make 153 for seven in 20 overs and restricted the Dutch to 145/7, pulling off a eight-run win. In the other match, Ireland made 154/5, thanks to William Porterfield (29), Paul Stirling (29) and Gary Wilson (38). Right-arm medium pacer Munis Ansari picked up three wickets for Oman.

While chasing, Oman got off to a very strong start with a 69-run opening wicket stand between Zeeshan Maqsood (38) and Khawar Ali (34). But Ireland hit back with regular strikes and Oman’s middle order failed, thanks to Kevin O’Brien (2-25), Andy McBrine (2-15) and Max Sorensen (2-29).

However, Aamer Ali’s quickfire knock of 32 from just 17 balls not only lifted Oman’s spirits but also saw them home, with two wickets and two deliveries to spare.

Earlier in the day during the first match, pacers Timm van der Gugten (3-21) and Paul van Meekeren (2-17) spelt disaster early for Bangladesh after the Netherlands won the toss and decided to bowl. But Bangladesh, the 2016 Asia Cup finalists, were rescued by an unbeaten innings from Tamim Iqbal, who scored 83 runs from 58 deliveries.

Left-hander Tamim put Bangladesh in a strong position with three sixes and six fours that helped his side put up a competitive total of. In reply, Stephan Myburgh (29), Ben Cooper (20) and Peter Borren (29) drove the European outfit towards upsetting Bangladesh. They were 100 for three till 15 overs, requiring 54 runs from five overs.

But left-arm spinner Shakib Al-Hasan removed Borren in the next over and Bangladesh were back in the game. Captain Mashrafe Mortaza bowled the next over and his medium pace bowling took the wicket of fresh batsman Rovert van der Merwe to damage the Dutch’s chances.

Bangladesh received a further boost as pacer Taskin Ahmed conceded only six runs in the 18th over, leaving the Dutch to score 33 off 12 balls. Al-Amin Hossain almost sealed the match for the rising Asian team by getting rid of Cooper in the first ball of the 19th over. However, the Netherlands put up a valiant fight by taking 16 runs from the remaining five deliveries of the over.

And in the final over, right-arm seamer Taskin was up to the task, giving away only eight runs as against 17 required, handing a eight-run victory to Bangladesh.

Al-Amin and Shakib picked up two wickets apiece for Bangladesh, while Nasir Hossain bagged one. (IANS)