Bangladesh is poised to secure a spot in the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup 2024 with just one more win. Even a loss could see them through, provided it isn't a heavy defeat and the Netherlands don't manage a substantial win over Sri Lanka, whose match starts an hour after Bangladesh vs. Nepal.

Despite a recent T20I series loss against the USA, Bangladesh is confident, having shown resilience and strong performances, particularly from their middle-order batters and bowlers. The top-order batting has been a concern, but the team's overall performance has kept them in a promising position. Legspinner Rishad Hossain, with his seven wickets, has been a standout, often taking crucial scalps. The pace trio of Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Tanzim Hasan has provided a solid backbone with their relentless accuracy and timely breakthroughs.

Nepal, still reeling from a one-run loss to South Africa, showed they can compete at a high level. Despite their heartbreak, their overall performance against one of the tournament's top teams gives them confidence. Key players like Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee, who shared seven wickets against South Africa, and Aasif Sheikh, who scored a stylish 42, are crucial. Nepal's big hitters add to their potential threat

Bangladesh’s Middle Order vs. Nepal’s Spinners: Bangladesh's middle-order will face a stern test against Nepal's spinners, particularly Sandeep Lamichhane.

Nepal’s Batting vs. Bangladesh’s Pace Attack: Bangladesh’s fast bowlers will look to exploit any lack of experience in Nepal's batting lineup.

 Form Guide

-Bangladesh and Nepal: WLWWL, LLLLW (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)

Players to Watch

- Tanzid Hasan (Bangladesh): The left-hand opener has shown flashes of brilliance but needs to convert good starts into big scores.

- Aasif Sheikh (Nepal): Known for his sportsmanship, Sheikh showcased his batting talent with a solid performance against South Africa and will look to build on that.

Probable Teams

Bangladesh:

1. Tanzid Hasan

2. Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt)

3. Litton Das (wk)

4. Shakib Al Hasan

5. Towhid Hridoy

6. Mahmudullah

7. Jaker Ali

8. Rishad Hossain

9. Tanzim Hasan

10. Taskin Ahmed

11. Mustafizur Rahman

 

Nepal:

1. Kushal Bhurtel

2. Aasif Sheikh (wk)

3. Rohit Paudel (capt)

4. Anil Sah

5. Dipendra Singh Airee

6. Kushal Malla

7. Gulsan Jha

8. Sompal Kami

9. Karan KC

10. Sandeep Lamichhane

11. Abinash Bohara

Pitch and Conditions

Arnos Vale, known for its spin-friendly conditions, could again favor spinners as seen in the Nepal-South Africa match, which produced 12 wickets for spinners. Light rain is forecasted for Sunday evening, and in case of a washout, Bangladesh will advance to the Super Eight.

Stats That Matter

- Mustafizur Rahman has the lowest economy rate (2.25 per over) among bowlers in the last four overs at this T20 World Cup.

- Aasif Sheikh's 42 against South Africa is Nepal's highest score against a Full Member side.

- Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, and Sompal Kami are the only players remaining from the Bangladesh vs. Nepal match in 2014, their only previous encounter, at that year's T20 World Cup.

Tanzim Hasan on the pitch: "We expect normal behavior from the fresh wicket. We will reassess after the first ball."

Nepal Coach Monty Desai on their potential: "Nepal has shown they belong at this level. I have strong belief in this class of 2023."

Expect a thrilling encounter as Bangladesh aims to secure their Super Eight spot, while Nepal looks for a memorable win.