Sobuj, Abrar help Bangladesh seal comprehensive win over Nepal

Md Sobuj's three-for crushed Nepal's middle order, before an unbeaten 70 from Bangladesh opener Zawad Abrar sealed their seven-wicket thumping, with 151 balls to spare. It took Bangladesh to the top of Group B with a healthy net run rate of 1.56.

After being put into bat, Nepal got off to a good start, thanks to a 40-run opening stand between Sahil Patel and Niraj Kumar Yadav. Opening bowler Saad Islam made the initial breakthrough, getting Patel for 18. Sobuj then took over with with three wickets in quick succession.

First to fall was Niraj - caught behind - while Nischal Kshetri was bowled for a golden duck. Cibrin Shrestha was out caught and bowled as Nepal slipped from 60 for 2 to 61 for 5.

Aashish Luhar's handy 23 and Abhisekh Tiwari's 30 carried Nepal forward, but a second flurry of wickets ensured the rebuilding effort did not last for long. After a 38-run seventh wicket stand between Tiwari and Luhar, Azizul Hakim and Shahriar Ahmed made short work of the tail - Nepal went from 119 for 6 to 130 all out.

The only downside for Bangladesh was the 17 wides they conceded, which formed an extras tally of 23.

Abrar was the rock of the chase with his 68-ball 70*, including seven fours and three sixes. The only moments of concern in the innings came in the fourth over, when opener Rifat Beg was bowled for 5, followed by captain Azizul Hakim being run out the very next ball for 1.

Abrar and Kalam Siddiki added 92 for 115 balls for the third wicket. By the time Siddiki fell, Bangladesh were ten runs away from victory. Rizan Hossan finished the game with a six.