DHAKA: Hosts Bangladesh and first-timers Nepal enjoyed one-sided victories in the opening matches of the ICC World Twenty20 in Dhaka and Chittagong on Sunday.
Bangladesh spinners led by Shakib Al Hasan guided their side to a thumping nine-wicket win against Afghanistan in their Qualifying Group A match, while Nepal produced a dominating all-round performance to crush Hong Kong by 80 runs, also in Group A.
Sent into bat, Nepal first rode on batting heroics from Gyanendra Malla (48) and skipper Paras Khadka to post a competitive 149 for eight and then left-arm spinners Shakti Gauchan and Basant Regmi scalped three wickets apiece to bowl out Hong Kong for 69 runs.
Nepal will next play hosts Bangladesh in their crucial last Group A encounter on Tuesday and the winner of that match will seal a place in the main round of World T20.
The hosts made an impressive start as they first skittled Afghanistan for 72 in 17.1 overs after electing to field and then returned to overhaul the target in 12 overs. (PTI)
