Bangladesh advanced into the main round of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Twenty20 World Cup 2016 after defeating Oman comprehensively in its third and last qualifying match at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday night.
Bangladesh thrashed Oman by 54 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method in a rain-hit final qualifier of Group A. The Tigers, who remained unbeaten in the qualifying round, will now join hosts India, New Zealand, Australia and Pakistan in Super 10 Group 2. On Saturday, ICC-affiliate nation Afghanistan qualified for the Super 10 from Group B. The Asghar Stanikzai-led Afghans will join South Africa, England, Sri Lanka and the West Indies in Super 10 Group 1.
Batting first, Bangladesh posted 180 for two in 20 overs. Opener Tamin Iqbal, who struck T20 tournament's first century, made an unbeaten 103. Sabbir Rahman (44 off 26) shared a 97-run strong partnership with Iqbal to guide Bangladesh to a massive total.
Iqbal, who hit Bangladesh's first T20 International century, also became country's first batsman to cross the 1,000-run milestone in T20I. "It was fun. I told my coach I would give him a hundred in this World Cup. It feels good that I kept my promise," Iqbal said.
Oman, which was given a revised 120 target in 12 overs after rain interrupted the match, restricted to 65 for nine as Shakib Al Hassan take four wickets.
Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza said his side would continue to play 'fearless' brand of cricket in the main draw of global T20 event. "Thanks to Tamim, in the last three matches he has been scoring. Hopefully others will join him and his form will continue," Mortaza said during post match interaction.
"We are looking forward to the next big four matches. Can't make any mistakes in the main draw. We played fearless cricket, that was a big decision but our coach has been giving us confidence. If you want to perform, you have to play fearless cricket," he added.
Brief Scorecard;
Bangladesh: 180 for two in 20 overs - Tamin Iqbal 103 not out, Sabbir Rehman 44, Shakil Al Hassan 17 not out; Ajay Lalcheta 1/35 and Khanwar 1/24
Oman: 65 for nine in 12 overs - Jatindar 25, Khawar 8; Shakib Al Hassan 4/15, Sabbir Rehman 1/5, Taskin Ahmed 1/8.
