Bangladesh put themselves on brink of Super Eights qualification with victory over Netherlands
Bangladesh made a significant stride in their bid to qualify for the T20 Cricket World Cup Super Eights with a 25-run victory over Netherlands in Richmond.
Shakib Al-Hasan hit 64 as Bangladesh posted 159 after being put in and Netherlands looked in control of their pursuit with valuable contributions from Vikram Singh, Sybrand Engelbrecht and Scott Edwards but ultimately came up short to knock Sri Lanka out of the tournament.
Bangladesh made a poor start as Najmul Shanto (one) and Litton Das (one) both fell early before Tanzid Hasan (35) and Shakib rebuilt the innings before the former chipped Paul Van Meerkeren to Bas de Leede leaving them 71 for three after nine overs.
Towhid Hridoy fell for nine and Mahmudullah's 24 from 20 set a platform for Bangladesh to attack in the final overs.
Jaker Ali (14) and Shakib (64) added 26 from the final two overs to propel Bangladesh up to 159 at the halfway point.
Netherlands made a slow start in response but Singh provided the impetus, launching three sixes in his quickfire 26 from 15 to leave his side needing 86 from the final 10 overs.
Netherlands were in the driving seat when Engelbrecht (33 from 22) put his foot on the gas but he spooned Rishad Hossain to Hasan and De Leede followed in the same over with Netherlands still 49 runs short of their 160 target.
And when Edwards (25 from 23) fell to Mustafizur Rahman their challenge was over to leave Bangladesh second in the Group behind South Africa.