Bangladesh faced a seven-wicket defeat in the opening match of the three-game T20I series against India at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior on Sunday.
India's chase got off to a blistering start, reaching 50 runs in just 4.4 overs as Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to make an impact. Despite losing Abhishek Sharma (16) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (29) during the powerplay, India managed to score 71 runs, leaving only 57 runs needed from 84 balls with a required run rate just over 4.
Although Mehidy Hasan dismissed Sanju Samson (29) in the 12th over, India maintained their aggressive approach. Hardik Pandya (39) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (16) led India to victory in just 11.5 overs.
Earlier, Bangladesh, having been asked to bat first, struggled to build partnerships and were bowled out for a modest 127 in 19.5 overs.
Liton Kumer Das was the first to fall, caught at point after hitting a boundary on the very first delivery he faced. Arshdeep Singh claimed Parvez Hossain Emon’s wicket in the third over, dismissing him for 8.
Captain Najmul Hossain and Towhid Hridoy attempted to lift the scoring rate with some boundaries. Hridoy was dropped by debutant Nitish Reddy in the fifth over, allowing Bangladesh to add 15 runs, including a six and two boundaries, in that over.
However, pressure mounted again when debutant Mayank Yadav bowled a maiden over in his first international appearance, stifling Bangladesh's momentum. Hridoy was dismissed in the seventh over, caught at long-on for 12 off 18 deliveries.
Veteran Mahmudullah Riyad followed soon after, becoming Yadav’s first international wicket as Bangladesh slumped to 45/4 after eight overs.
Jaker Ali Anik briefly showed promise with a six but was soon bowled by an unplayable delivery from Varun Chakravarthy. Bangladesh had lost half their side before the 10th over and were 64/5 at the halfway mark.
Najmul, who had been holding the innings together, fell for 27 off 25 balls, caught and bowled by Washington Sundar. Mehidy Hasan fought hard with the lower order, pushing Bangladesh past 120 with Rishad Hossain and Taskin Ahmed contributing 11 and 12 respectively. Mehidy top-scored with an unbeaten 35, hitting three boundaries.
For India, Varun Chakravarthy and Arshdeep Singh were the standout bowlers, each taking three wickets.
The second T20I will be held on Wednesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
BDST: 0946 HRS, OCT 7, 2024
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