The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been a rollercoaster ride, and Group D delivered nothing short of drama. While South Africa had already secured their spot in the Super Eight, there was one more ticket up for grabs, and Bangladesh found themselves in a make-or-break situation against Nepal.

The Tigers’ journey to the next round was anything but smooth sailing, but their grit and determination ultimately prevailed. In a historic moment, Bangladesh became the first team to successfully defend the lowest total ever in a T20 World Cup match, etching their name in the annals of cricket history.

The match against Nepal started on a shaky note for Bangladesh. Sompal Kami’s very first delivery dismissed Tanzid Hasan, caught and bowled, setting the tone for a challenging innings. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s dismissal in the second over only compounded their woes, as Nepal’s bowlers continued to make inroads.

By the end of the Powerplay, Bangladesh found themselves reeling at 31/4, their hopes of posting a competitive total hanging by a thread. Although they attempted to rebuild, the crucial dismissal of Mahmudullah (13 off 13) due to a miscommunication and a run-out further dampened their spirits.

At the drinks break, Bangladesh found themselves at a precarious 57/5, desperately needing a miraculous comeback. However, Nepal’s Rohit Paudel and Sandeep Lamichhane had other plans. Paudel’s sharp-turning delivery trapped the dangerous Shakib Al Hasan (17 off 22) LBW, while Lamichhane etched his name in the history books by claiming his 100th T20I wicket, dismissing Jaker Ali in the process.

The final nail in the coffin came in the 20th over when Paudel executed a run-out, leaving Bangladesh all out for a paltry 106. Little did they know that this seemingly insignificant total would become the stuff of legends.

Nepal’s run chase got off to a rocky start, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s double-wicket maiden in the third over igniting a heated exchange and ramping up the pressure. By the end of the Powerplay, Nepal found themselves in a precarious position at 24/4, staring at an uphill battle.

Sundeep Jora’s dismissal in the next over left Nepal reeling at 5 for, but Kushal Malla and Dipendra Singh Airee stepped up to steady the ship. Their gritty partnership kept the run chase within reach, and at the drinks break, Nepal found themselves at 42/5, needing a run-a-ball to achieve the target.

The 16th over saw the match hang in the balance, with Malla’s boundaries bringing the partnership past 50 and reducing the required run rate to a manageable 7.5 with four overs to go. However, Malla’s dismissal in the 17th over dealt a blow to Nepal’s hopes, leaving them needing 22 off the final 12 balls.

Enter Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh’s match-winner. In a clutch performance, he delivered a wicket-maiden in the 19th over, sealing Bangladesh’s place in the Super Eight and etching their name in T20 World Cup history as the team to successfully defend the lowest total ever.

Bangladesh’s journey to the Super Eight was far from smooth, but their resilience and never-say-die attitude shone through. From the brink of elimination to becoming history-makers, the Tigers have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world.

As the tournament progresses, Bangladesh’s historic achievement will serve as a reminder that in the world of T20 cricket, no total is too small to defend, and no team should be underestimated. With their sights set on the Super Eight, the Tigers will undoubtedly carry the momentum of this historic victory, ready to script more memorable chapters in their cricketing legacy.