Shakib Al Hasan stars as Bangladesh qualify for Super 12s

Bangladesh's net run rate is such that they will finish in Group A’s top two, regardless of what happens in Scotland’s clash with Oman

Al Amarat: Bangladesh 181-7, Papua New Guinea 97 - Bangladesh win by 84 runs

Scorecard

Bangladesh eased to a comprehensive win over Papua New Guinea to confirm their qualification for the Super 12s at the T20 World Cup.

Their net run rate is such that they will finish in Group A’s top two, regardless of what happens in Scotland’s clash with Oman.

Papua New Guinea were bowled out for 97, having been 29 for 7 at one stage, meaning they escaped the ignominy of the competition’s lowest score, which remains the Netherlands’ 39 against Sri Lanka in 2014.

Bangladesh reached 181 for 7, before defending their total easily. They were led by a half century from captain Mahmudullah and 46 from former skipper Shakib Al Hasan, before a cameo from Mohammad Saifuddin plundered 20 runs from the final over to knock the stuffing out of Assad Vala’s side.

It meant that Papua New Guinea’s first T20 World Cup campaign came to an end without a point on the board; though they had Bangladesh – a Test-playing nation – 72 for 3 in the 11th over, they were unable to contain them with their bowling at the death, with Chad Soper in particular coming in for severe punishment.

^{Papua New Guinea recovered from 29 for 7}

Earlier, Naim had already received a reprieve off the first ball of proceedings when a catch fell just short of wicketkeeper Kiplin Doriga, before he planted Kabua Morea into the hands of Sese Bau at deep midwicket. His opening partner, Liton Das, was next to fall – one of two victims of Vala’s off spin – while Mushfiqur Rahim was caught by Hiri Hiri to give Simon Atai his second wicket of the tournament.

Damien Ravu accounted for Mahmudullah and Nurul Hasan in the 18th over, before Saifuddin’s late fireworks.

In response, Bangladesh’s bowling – their strong suit so far in this competition – came to the fore once again. Saifuddin trapped Lega Siaka in front, before Vala was strangled down the legside and was well caught by wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan.

Despite a miserable total, Papua New Guinea’s batters could hardly be faulted for their ambition: Charles Amini, Bau, Atai, Hiri and Norman Vanua were all caught as they looked to hit Shakib and Mahedi Hasan out of the ground. Shakib ended with figures of 4 for 9 from his allocation.

A cameo from Kiplin Doriga ensured that the margin of defeat was reduced to two figures, ending unbeaten on 46.