Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav delivered a crucial performance with figures of 3-19, complemented by fast-bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh who each secured two wickets. Their combined efforts led India to a commanding 50-run victory over Bangladesh in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, held at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Saturday.
Vice-captain Hardik Pandya's explosive unbeaten 27-ball fifty, featuring four boundaries and three sixes, propelled India to their highest tournament score of 196/5. Kuldeep then capitalized on a pitch offering bounce and grip, dismantling Bangladesh's batting lineup.
The Indian bowling unit delivered a stellar performance, supported by sharp fielding, limiting Bangladesh to 146/8 and moving closer to a semi-final berth. India's semi-final spot will be secured if Afghanistan loses to Australia at St Vincent. Bangladesh faced a daunting target of 197, a significant challenge for their middling batting order.
Tanzid Hasan made a strong start, hitting four boundaries, and Litton Das followed suit with two boundaries. However, Pandya provided India with a breakthrough when Litton miscontrolled a pull shot and was caught at deep mid-wicket.
Despite being dropped on 24 by Rishabh Pant off Bumrah, Tanzid was soon dismissed lbw by Kuldeep's brilliant googly. Kuldeep continued his fine form, trapping Towhid Hridoy lbw with a leg-break that beat the attempted slog-sweep.
Najmul Hassan Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan attempted to steady the innings with some boundaries, but Kuldeep struck again, inducing a mistimed loft from Shakib to cover. Bumrah then removed Shanto with an off-cutter that was sliced to short third man, and Arshdeep dismissed Jaker Ali with a similar delivery.
Rishad Hossain showcased his hitting prowess with a four and three sixes, but ultimately top-edged a pull to extra cover off Bumrah, who maintained an impressive economy rate of 3.2. This comprehensive victory marked another step forward for India in the tournament.
Brief scores:
India 196/5 in 20 overs (Hardik Pandya 50 not out, Virat Kohli 37; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 2-32, Rishad Hossain 2-43) beat Bangladesh 146/8 in 20 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 40, Tanzid Hasan 29; Kuldeep Yadav 3-19, Jasprit Bumrah 2-13) by 50 runs
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