Bangladesh thrashes Bermuda

Bermuda’s lead-up to the World Cup couldn’t get any worse. After losing to Antigua and Barbuda, largely regarded as one of the lesser domestic sides in the West Indies last week in a warm-up match, they have now lost to Bangladesh by a huge margin in the first match of the ICC Tri-Series also involving Canada.

Shahriar Nafees was the chief destroyer as he lead Bangladesh’s chase of Bermuda’s paltry score of 205 for 8. Nafees struck eight fours and three sixes in his unbeaten innings of 104 off 112 balls, taking Bangladesh home with more than 10 overs to spare.

Things could have been worse for Bermuda, when they were reduced to 83 for 5, after winning the toss and batting first. However, scores in 30s by the next three batsmen, Janerio Tucker, Lionel Cann and Saleem Mukuddem took them past 200. Bangladesh’s bowlers got a good game in, except for Tapash Baisya maybe, who was a little expensive and far from his best. Mohammad Rafique was the pick of the bowlers, taking two scalps.

In reply, Bangladesh lost an early wicket, of Tamim Iqbal, when the score was 14. However, Bermuda weren’t given any other opportunity to even come close to smelling an upset. Nafees was involved in two partnerships, with Aftab Ahmed and Saquibul Hasan, to guide Bangladesh home comprehensively.

Bermuda now plays Canada on Monday in the second match of the tri-series, before Bangladesh take on Canada in the final match of the series on Wednesday.

Bermuda 205 for 8 in 50 overs
Janerio Tucket 31, Lionel Cann 33, Saleem Mukuddem 32
Mohammad Rafique 2-38

Bangladesh won by eight wickets.

Bangladesh 206 for 2 in 37.3 overs
Shahriar Nafees 104*, Aftab Ahmed 40, Saquibul Hasan 42*

Man of the Match: Shahriar Nafees