Highest T20 Score: Cricket, often referred to as the “game of the people” in Bangladesh, has seen the rise of a competitive and determined national team. Bangladesh’s journey in T20 International cricket has been filled with moments of brilliance, and one such moment came on March 24, 2019, when Bangladesh posted their highest T20 score ever in a match against West Indies during the 2019 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier.
In this article, we will explore the highest T20 score achieved by Bangladesh, delve into the details of the match, and highlight key individual performances that contributed to this remarkable feat.
Bangladesh’s Highest T20 Score
Bangladesh’s highest T20 score was 211/4, which they posted against West Indies on March 24, 2019, in the 2019 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier. The match was held in Mirpur, Bangladesh, and remains one of the most memorable innings in the history of Bangladesh cricket.
Key Highlights of the Innings:
- Date: March 24, 2019
- Opponents: West Indies
- Venue: Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka
- Total Score: 211/4
- Innings: Bangladesh batted first
Match Summary:
1st Innings (Bangladesh’s Batting):
Bangladesh posted an imposing total of 211 runs in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to brilliant contributions from their top order. The opening pair set a solid foundation, and the middle order capitalized to take Bangladesh past the 200-run mark for the first time in T20 cricket.
Batting Performance Breakdown:
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamim Iqbal | 58 | 41 | 6 | 2 | 141.46 |
| Soumya Sarkar | 50 | 32 | 7 | 2 | 156.25 |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 43 | 29 | 3 | 2 | 148.28 |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | 33 | 19 | 5 | 1 | 173.68 |
| Mahmudullah | 13 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 216.66 |
- Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar laid the perfect foundation with their opening partnership, combining for a total of 108 runs, which significantly helped Bangladesh reach such a formidable total.
- Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim played quick-fire knocks, ensuring that the team continued to accelerate in the latter stages of the innings.
- Mahmudullah provided the finishing touches with a rapid cameo of 13 runs off just 6 balls.
2nd Innings (West Indies’ Response):
The West Indies team, known for their aggressive brand of cricket, came out with the intention of chasing down the target. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers put up an impressive defense, restricting West Indies to 168/7 in their 20 overs, which led to Bangladesh securing a dominant 43-run victory.
Key Performances:
- Shakib Al Hasan was instrumental with both bat and ball. He took the crucial wicket of Chris Gayle, who was threatening to take the game away from Bangladesh.
- Mustafizur Rahman‘s death bowling also played a pivotal role in limiting West Indies’ chase.
Match Summary Table:
| Team | Runs | Wickets | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh (1st Innings) | 211/4 | – | 20 | Bangladesh won by 43 runs |
| West Indies (2nd Innings) | 168/7 | – | 20 | – |
Significance of the 211/4 Innings
The innings of 211/4 marked a turning point in Bangladesh’s T20 cricket history for several reasons:
- First 200+ Score in T20 Internationals: Bangladesh became only the second team from the subcontinent (after India) to score 200+ runs in a T20I match at that point in time. Their aggressive batting display showed the evolution of their game, highlighting their growing potential in the T20 format.
- Team Unity and Performance: The innings was a collective effort with contributions coming from multiple players. This was an example of team synergy and balanced batting, as each player knew their role and executed it to perfection.
- Boost to Bangladesh’s Confidence: The victory against a formidable West Indies team in the 2019 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier boosted Bangladesh’s confidence as a T20 cricketing nation. It proved that they could take on some of the best teams in the world and succeed.
Other Notable T20 Scores by Bangladesh
Before this match, Bangladesh had set several notable scores in T20 cricket, but none had surpassed the 200-run mark. Here’s a list of the next highest T20I scores for Bangladesh:
| Match Date | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 18, 2019 | West Indies | 193/5 | Bangladesh won by 7 wickets |
| March 9, 2021 | New Zealand | 196/3 | Bangladesh lost by 4 wickets |
| February 17, 2016 | Sri Lanka | 190/6 | Bangladesh lost by 25 runs |
| September 14, 2019 | Afghanistan | 189/3 | Bangladesh lost by 25 runs |
Conclusion
The 211/4 score against the West Indies on March 24, 2019, was a historical milestone in Bangladesh’s T20 cricket history. This score not only marked a personal best for the team but also demonstrated their growing potential and consistency in the shortest format of the game. The collective batting effort, spearheaded by the likes of Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, and Shakib Al Hasan, was the key to their record-breaking performance.
Bangladesh continues to evolve as a T20 powerhouse, and the 211/4 innings will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of cricket fans as one of the team’s greatest achievements.’
