Antigua: India clinched a decisive 50-run victory over Bangladesh in a crucial Super-8 T20 World Cup match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium here on Saturday, thanks to a blistering unbeaten 50 from Hardik Pandya and a disciplined bowling performance.
Pandya's power-hitting was the highlight of India's innings, leading them to post a formidable total of 196/5. Coming in during the death overs, Pandya wasted no time, hammering four boundaries and three massive sixes in his 27-ball innings. His aggressive approach demoralised the Bangladeshi bowlers and provided the late surge India needed.
India’s top order laid a solid foundation for Pandya's late assault. Rohit Sharma got the team off to a flying start, scoring 23 off 11 balls before falling to Shakib Al Hasan. Virat Kohli then took charge, contributing a quickfire 37 off 28 deliveries, including three towering sixes, before being bowled by Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Rishabh Pant continued the onslaught with a brisk 36 off 24 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, before he was dismissed by Rishad Hossain.
In response, Bangladesh faced early setbacks and never fully recovered despite some resistance. Tanzid Hasan scored 29 off 31 balls before being trapped lbw by Kuldeep Yadav. Litton Das hit 13 off 10 balls but was caught off Hardik Pandya’s bowling. Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 40 off 32 balls but was caught by Arshdeep Singh off Bumrah, leading to a collapse in the middle order.
India's bowlers put on a clinical performance, with Kuldeep Yadav starring with 3/19, dismissing key players including Tanzid and Shakib Al Hasan. Jasprit Bumrah took 2/28, including the crucial wicket of Shanto.
Pandya complemented his batting with a wicket, dismissing Litton Das. Despite a brief counterattack from Rishad Hossain, who scored 24 off 10 balls, Bangladesh fell short, ending their innings at 146/8.
The match saw Tanzid and Das achieve Bangladesh's highest opening partnership in the T20 World Cup 2024, surviving beyond the second over for the first time. However, fielding lapses, including Rishabh Pant dropping Tanzid on 24, cost Bangladesh crucial momentum. The team’s struggle against spin continued, losing 21 wickets to spin in the tournament.
With this victory, India moves closer to securing a semifinal spot, while Bangladesh faces an uphill battle to stay alive in the competition.
Brief scores
India: 196/5 in 20 overs (Hardik Pandya 50* off 27 balls, Virat Kohli 37 off 28 balls, Rishabh Pant 36 off 24 balls; Shakib Al Hasan 1/37, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 2/32, Rishad Hossain 2/43).
Bangladesh: 146/8 in 20 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 40 off 32 balls, Tanzid Hasan 29 off 31 balls; Kuldeep Yadav 3/19, Jasprit Bumrah 2/13, Hardik Pandya 1/32).
India’s comprehensive performance ensured a dominant win, enhancing their prospects in the T20 World Cup, while Bangladesh will need to regroup and strategise for their upcoming matches.
