India scored 196/5 in 20 overs, where as Bangladesh scored 146/8 in 20 overs.
So, finally India beat Bangladesh by 50 runs.
A superb half-century from Hardik Pandya and a remarkable three-wicket haul by Kuldeep Yadav were the highlights of India’s commanding 50-run victory over Bangladesh in their Super 8 encounter in Antigua.
With this win, India edges closer to securing a spot in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup, pending the outcome of the Afghanistan versus Australia match later in the evening.
The Turning Point: India’s Dominance with the Bat
Opting to bowl first, Bangladesh’s captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto aimed to restrict India to a manageable total of “150 to 160”.
However, India defied expectations by smashing 13 sixes, their highest tally in a T20 World Cup match.
This surpassed Bangladesh’s total by five sixes.
Crucially, 10 of India’s 13 sixes were scored outside the Power Play, a factor that significantly impacted the game.
INDIA
Power Play: India Roars to a Flying Start
Phase score: 53/1 (4 boundaries, 3 sixes)
India’s batting onslaught began aggressively as Bangladesh opted to bowl first on a promising pitch.
Mahedi Hasan and Shakib al Hasan initiated the bowling attack for Bangladesh.
However, Shakib’s nine-ball over proved costly, conceding 25 runs, including a towering six by Rohit Sharma.
Despite Shakib’s comeback with a crucial wicket, removing India’s captain, Virat Kohli’s solid contribution ensured India’s highest Power Play score in this tournament.
Middle overs: Tanzim and Pant Steal the Show
Phase score: 81/3 (5 boundaries, 5 sixes)
India’s momentum suffered a setback when Tanzim Sakib dismissed Virat Kohli with a well-placed delivery.
Surya Kumar Yadav followed suit, falling to a catch behind the stumps in the same over.
However, Rishabh Pant’s composed innings provided stability to India’s middle overs, allowing them to maintain a run rate of 9 runs per over.
Pant’s aggressive play against Mustafizur Rahman further bolstered India’s scoring rate, compensating for his eventual dismissal.
Death overs: Pandya and Dube’s Blitz Propels India to 196/5
Phase score: 62/1 (3 boundaries, 5 sixes)
Shivam Dube’s explosive batting during the final phase injected fresh momentum into India’s innings, with all three of his sixes coming in this period.
After Dube’s departure, Hardik Pandya seized the opportunity, notching a swift fifty off just 27 balls.
His aggressive stroke play, which included 4 boundaries and 3 sixes, propelled India to a formidable total of 196/5.
Despite Mustafizur Rahman’s costly spell, India dominated the death overs with a flurry of boundaries and sixes.
BANGLADESH
Power Play: India’s Tight Bowling Stifles Bangladesh
Phase score: 42/1 (5 boundaries, 1 six)
Bangladesh’s pursuit of India’s total got off to a steady start, with Litton Das falling victim to Hardik Pandya’s deceptive bowling.
Jasprit Bumrah’s economical spell further constrained Bangladesh’s scoring, despite a promising opening partnership.
Though Axar Patel’s bowling stint didn’t yield a breakthrough, India maintained control over Bangladesh’s scoring rate during the Power Play.
Middle overs: Kuldeep’s Spin Spells Trouble for Bangladesh
Phase score: 66/3 (3 boundaries, 4 sixes)
Kuldeep Yadav’s exceptional spin bowling created turmoil in Bangladesh’s middle order, claiming crucial wickets and restricting the run flow.
His incisive spell saw the dismissals of Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, and Shakib Al Hasan, leaving Bangladesh struggling to build momentum.
With Hardik Pandya offering some relief with his overs, India’s spinners further tightened their grip over Bangladesh’s innings, underscoring Bangladesh’s vulnerability against spin.
Death overs: Pacers Seal Victory for India
Phase score: 38/4 (2 boundaries, 3 sixes)
As Bangladesh’s middle order faltered against India’s spin attack, the game steadily slipped out of their reach.
India’s pacers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and supported by Arshdeep Singh, efficiently wrapped up Bangladesh’s innings.
Bumrah’s crucial wickets of Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Rishad ensured India’s dominance in the death overs, restricting Bangladesh’s total to below 150.
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