In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Bangladesh pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib set a record for the most dot balls bowled in a T20 World Cup match, helping his team secure a 21-run victory over Nepal.
Sakib’s spell included 21 dot balls, surpassing the previous high of 20 held by several bowlers, including Trent Boult and Ottneil Baartman.
Sakib’s exceptional bowling, yielding figures of 4-7, earned him the man of the match award. He was pivotal in defending Bangladesh’s modest score of 106, taking key early wickets of Kushal Bhurtel and Anil Shah, which significantly dented Nepal’s chase early on.
Further wickets from Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman intensified Nepal’s difficulties, collapsing to 26-5 in just seven overs. Despite a resilient 52-run stand between Kushal Malla and Dipendra Singh Airee, their effort was insufficient to steer Nepal to victory. Malla’s top score of 27 and Airee’s 25 proved inadequate as Shakib Al Hasan clinched the final two wickets, ending Nepal’s innings at 85.
This crucial win enabled Bangladesh to advance to the Super 8 stage of the tournament, joining South Africa as the qualifiers from Group D.