India triumphed over Bangladesh by 50 runs, ascending to the top of Group 1 in the Super 8s, as the ‘Men in Blue’ dominated the Bangla Tigers at the T20 World Cup 2024 in Antigua.
It was a day to forget for Nazmul Hossain Shanto’s team; the defeat nearly ousted them from the T20 World Cup 2024, leaving them with just one match remaining and needing nothing short of a miraculous event to advance to the semi-finals.
Choosing to field first, the Bangladeshi bowlers failed to vindicate their decision, as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli gave India a stellar start. However, they couldn’t capitalize on it, with the Indian captain succumbing to Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, whose slower delivery outfoxed Rohit Sharma, leading to his catch by Jaker Ali.
Virat Kohli seemed poised for a significant score but fell short, losing his wicket to Bangladesh’s Tanzim Hasan. Following Kohli’s dismissal, India’s momentum stalled significantly, as Tanzim dismissed two of India’s premier T20 batsmen in a single over, with Suryakumar Yadav returning to the pavilion immediately after hitting a six.
Nonetheless, Bangladesh couldn’t suppress the Indian batsmen from flaunting their prowess, as a fifty from vice-captain Hardik Pandya propelled India to 196/5 in their 20 overs.
In their innings, the Bangladeshi openers began well but failed to convert their start into a substantial score, as Hardik Pandya struck, giving India the initial breakthrough. Continued excellence in bowling from the group leaders quashed any lingering hopes for Bangladesh, limiting them to 146/8 in their 20 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the standout bowler, notching figures of 3/19 in his 4 overs, supported by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, who each took two wickets.
Hardik Pandya put on an impressive show and bagged the Player of the Match award after his quickfire half-century and crucial wicket to break the opening stand.
With this victory, India has accumulated 4 points and taken a massive stride for a spot in the semi-finals.
