Tamim Iqbal’s 83* gave Bangladesh the perfect start to the first round of the ICC World T20, as they defeated the Netherlands by eight runs.

The opener spent 2011 as part of the Nottinghamshire T20 setup and the former Outlaw used all his international experience to help post 153-7, despite no other batsman scoring above 15. 

His knock included six fours and three sixes and was the third highest for his country in T20Is

Al-Amin Hossain (2-24) and Shakib Al Hasan (2-28) then ensured that the Netherlands fell eight runs short in their first Group A fixture.

Elsewhere, Hong Kong provided tough opponents for Zimbabwe, coming up just 14 runs short in a valiant effort.

Vusi Sibanda struck a career-best 59 and Elton Chigumbura posted 30* as Zimbabwe amassed 158-8 after Tanwir Afzal took 2-19.

Jamie Atkinson and Ryan Campbell, making his debut for Hong Kong at the age of 44 after playing for Australia in two One-Day Internationals in 2002, began the reply of the underdogs.

Atkinson top scored with 53 and captain Afzal added 31 after his earlier bowling exploits but Hong Kong fell just short, finishing on 144-6.

Finally, Afghanistan extended their unbeaten run to six matches over Scotland in T20s, as they completed a 14-run victory.

Mohammad Shahzad (61) and captain Ashgar Stanikzai (55*) scored half-centuries as they posted 170-5, the biggest score over the two days so far, albeit one that would have been confident of chasing down after their blistering start.

George Munsey and Kyle Coetzer posted 84 for the first wicket in just 8.5 overs before Samiullah Shenwari dismissed the latter for a 27-ball 40.

Regular wickets then fell which stifled Scotland’s momentum, Munsey LBW for 41, Calum MacLeod run out for two and Richie Berrington stumped for eight as they fell from 84-1 to 108-4.

Afghanistan had regained the momentum and never looked like losing their first game against Scotland, Rashid Khan’s 2-28 restricting their opponents to 156-5. 

In the final match of the first couple of days, a fine all-round performance in the field and with the bat from Zeeshan Maqsood helped Oman to an unlikely victory over Ireland. couldn’t get Oman over the line against Ireland.

Maqsood was on hand to secure Oman’s first wicket in the tournament, leaping high to his left to take a superb one-handed catch off Aamir Kaleem to dismiss Paul Stirling (29).

All Irish batsmen got starts with Gary Wilson (39) ensuring they posted 154-5, Andy McBrine adding ten from three balls in the final over.

Maqsood (38) and Khawar Ali (34) then gave Oman hopes of an unlikely result, only for the middle order to come undone through the spin of McBrine (2-15).

Jatinder Singh (24) and Aamer Ali (32) then battled hard to pull off the shock result, Oman winning by two wickets with one ball to spare.

 

England are returning to the scene of their Ashes triumph in 2016 for Royal London One-Day Internationals against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Don't miss the opportunity to watch some of the best players in the world go toe-to-toe in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge and secure your seats now.