When Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel dismissed the dangerous Towhid Hridoy for just 9 runs during the Bangladesh-Nepal 2024 T20 World Cup match on June 16, the cameras captured a unique fan celebration. A Nepal fan, unable to contain his excitement, jumped into the stadium pool in jubilation.
After hitting a boundary with a sweep in the previous delivery, Hridoy tried the same shot again but ended up top-edging it. Sandeep Lamichhane took the catch at short fine leg. Here is a video of the dismissal followed by the amusing celebration:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8S-BZAS95O/?igsh=MTVxMGh0dGxpdXlpeg==
Hridoy, who had been in great form throughout the tournament, was dismissed, leaving Bangladesh at a precarious 30/4 in this crucial match.
Although Bangladesh managed a modest recovery, they were all out for 106 in 19.3 overs. With a win needed to secure a spot in the Super Eight, Bangladesh’s bowlers delivered a strong performance, bowling Nepal out for 85.
Tandon Hasan Sakib achieved remarkable figures of 4/7 in four overs, while Mustafizur Rahman bowled an economical spell, taking 3/7 in four overs. Bangladesh secured the last spot in the Super Eights, while Nepal ended the tournament without a win in their four matches.
“We have let our fans down”- Nepal captain Rohit Paudel
Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel expressed disappointment in his team’s winless campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup, feeling they had let their fans down despite their significant potential. Although the Nepal bowlers performed consistently, the batters failed to deliver, never managing to surpass 120 runs in any game.
Following the Bangladesh match, Rohit stated at the post-match presentation:
“We’re up to the mark with our bowling and fielding. This team has great potential, we need to back each and every player, I feel we will do very well in the next World Cup. We have disappointed our fans, we could have won few matches, feel for them. We will try to make them happy in the coming years.”
Nepal’s most devastating loss occurred in their previous match against South Africa, where they fell short by just one run. This was only their second appearance at the T20 World Cup and their first since the 2014 edition. They have yet to qualify for the main event of the 50-over World Cup.
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