Leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav and all-rounder Hardik Pandya delivered stellar performances as India secured a comprehensive 50-run victory over Bangladesh, moving them closer to a semi-final berth at the T20 World Cup on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 197, Bangladesh struggled against India’s formidable bowling attack, losing three of their top five batsmen to Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep’s impressive spell saw him claim the wickets of Tanzid Hasan (29), Towhid Hridoy (4), and Shakib Al Hasan (11), finishing with figures of 3-19 from his four overs.
Pandya, who contributed significantly with the bat, initiated Bangladesh’s downfall by dismissing opener Liton Das (13), who was caught after attempting a risky shot. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto provided some resistance with a 32-ball 40 but fell to Jasprit Bumrah, effectively ending Bangladesh’s hopes.
Bumrah further dismantled Bangladesh’s batting line-up, taking 2-13 in his four overs, including the wicket of Rishad Hossain after a brief 24-run cameo. Bangladesh concluded their innings at 146-8 in 20 overs.
India’s dominant batting performance
Batting first, India set a formidable total of 196-6, with five of their top six batsmen reaching double figures. Pandya top-scored with an undefeated 50 off just 27 balls, featuring four boundaries and three sixes.
India started strong, reaching 71-1 in seven overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma contributed a rapid 23, while Virat Kohli achieved his tournament-best score of 37 off 28 balls, including one four and three sixes. Suryakumar Yadav, who had scored back-to-back fifties in his previous innings, managed only six runs before falling to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who also dismissed Kohli in the same over.
Rishabh Pant added a brisk 36 off 24 balls, and Shivam Dube chipped in with 34, including three sixes.
India, with two wins from two Super Eight games, are on the verge of securing a semi-final spot. Their qualification could be confirmed if Australia defeats Afghanistan later on Saturday, ensuring both India and Australia advance to the last four from Group 1.
India’s victory over Bangladesh continues their dominance in T20 World Cup clashes against the Tigers, taking their head-to-head record to 13-1. This win follows India’s 47-run victory over Afghanistan in their Super Eight opener in Bridgetown, while Bangladesh had earlier lost to Australia by 28 runs in a rain-affected match in Antigua.
