Hardik Pandya’s stellar performance with an unbeaten 50 helped India secure a comprehensive 50-run victory over Bangladesh in Antigua, edging them closer to a T20 World Cup semi-final spot.
India maintained their unbeaten streak, climbing to the top of Group 1 with four points after their bowlers restricted Bangladesh to 146-8, chasing 197 for victory on a lively pitch at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Pandya (50* off 27) and Shivam Dube (34 off 24) shared a crucial 53-run stand, helping India post a formidable 196-5. Bangladesh struggled against the onslaught of boundaries, despite winning the toss and opting to bowl.
Bangladesh’s chase faltered as they lost their final four wickets for just 36 runs, with Kuldeep Yadav (3-19) and Jasprit Bumrah (2-13) delivering key performances. Shakib Al Hasan made history by becoming the first bowler from any country to take 50 wickets in T20 World Cups, dismissing India’s skipper Rohit Sharma (23).
India’s Dominant Performance
Virat Kohli (37) and Rohit Sharma (23) started strongly for India, sharing a 39-run opening partnership, but both were dismissed before they could make significant impacts. Rohit was caught by Jaker Ali off Shakib Al Hasan (1-37), while Kohli was bowled by Tanzim Hasan Sakib (2-32).
Tanzim utilized the extra bounce effectively, dismissing Suryakumar Yadav (6) in the same over he removed Kohli, leaving India at 77-3. Rishabh Pant (36) helped India reach 100 but was caught after attempting a reverse sweep against Rishad Hossain (2-43). Dube’s brief yet impactful innings ended when he was bowled by a Rishad full toss, but Pandya’s late flurry of boundaries in the final over ensured India reached a commanding total of 196-5.
Bangladesh’s Struggle
Bangladesh’s response was shaky, with Hardik Pandya striking first by dismissing Litton Das (13) during the powerplay. Kuldeep Yadav’s consecutive dismissals of Tanzid Hasan (29) and Towhid Hridoy (4) further stifled Bangladesh’s chase.
Najmul Hossain Shanto (40) provided some resistance, but his efforts were cut short when he chopped a wide slower ball from Bumrah to the boundary. Rishad Hossain (24) briefly reignited Bangladesh’s hopes with three sixes but was eventually caught off Bumrah.
Despite late resistance, Bangladesh required 55 runs from the final over, sealing India’s victory.
Post-Match Reactions
India’s skipper Rohit Sharma praised his team’s smart adaptation to conditions:
“We knew what was expected of us, and we played accordingly. The batters applied pressure, and we adapted well to the conditions with the ball.”
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged their lack of intent:
“We have a lot of batting options but didn’t show the required intent chasing 190-plus. We should have scored more in the first six overs.”
Next Matches
India will face unbeaten Australia on Monday, June 24, while Bangladesh will play against Afghanistan on Tuesday, June 25.
Credit: Sky Sports
