In a dominant performance, INDIA cruised to a comprehensive victory by 7 wickets against Bangladesh in the first T20I match at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior, taking a 1-0 lead in three game series. Chasing a modest target of 128, Hardik Pandya finished the game in style with a powerful six, reminiscent of former Indian captain MS Dhoni’s iconic match-winning knocks.
Hardik Pandya finishes in style
India’s chase was clinical from the start. Despite losing opener Abhishek Sharma early, Sanju Samson and skipper Suryakumar Yadav steadied the ship with a 40-run partnership for the second wicket. Suryakumar, known for his unorthodox batting, played a quick knock of 29 off 14 balls, finding the gaps with ease and keeping the scoreboard afloat.
Bangladesh tried to counter when Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck, dismissing Samson (29 for 19), but Nitish Kumar Reddy and Hardik Pandya took control of the chase. Vice-captain Pandya, leading from the front, anchored the innings with a 16-ball 39 not out. The all-rounder displayed his trademark power hitting as he took India closer to the target.
In the 12th over, with just a couple of runs needed, Taskin Ahmed bowled a short ball to Pandya, who unleashed a thunderous shot into the cow corner for a six, sealing victory with 49 balls to spare . Reminiscent of Dhoni’s finishing style, the crowd roared in approval.
Here’s the video:
Hardik Pandya seals the win in style! 🔥#INDvBAN #IDFCFirstBankT20ITtrophy #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/YAnovCd1in
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) October 6, 2024
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India bowl out Bangladesh for a paltry 127
Earlier, Bangladesh struggled to find momentum with the bat as they won the toss and elected to field first. they managed a total of just 127 in 19.5 overswith Mehidy Hasan Miraz top-scoring with an unbeaten 32 on 35. The Indian bowlers were outstanding, led by Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy who took 3 wickets each. Arshdeep’s accurate yorkers and Varun’s clever variations proved too much for the Bangladeshi batsmen, who failed to build substantial partnerships.
India’s fielding was sharp, ensuring that Bangladesh never gained control of the innings. Despite some late hits from Mehidy, Bangladesh’s total was below par on a pitch that offered help to the bowlers early on but softened later in the match.
