Jun 23, 2024

T20 World Cup: India trump Bangladesh to close in on semis

TOI Sports Desk

India Closer to Semi-Final Birth

India inched closer to a semi-final birth in the T20 World Cup following their comprehensive 50-run victory against Bangladesh in a Super Eight Group 1 contest on Saturday.

Image Source: AFP

Pandya’s Quickfire Fifty

Hardik Pandya smashed a 27-ball fifty as India posted 196-5, their highest score in what has been a low-scoring tournament so far, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua.

Image Source: AFP

Bangladesh’s Failed Chase

Bangladesh were never really in the chase and managed 146-8 in reply, succumbing to their second Group 1 defeat to be on the brink of elimination.

Image Source: AFP

Bangladesh’s Bowling Strategy

Electing to field, Bangladesh began with spin from both ends but quickly abandoned the novelty after the first two overs yielded 23 runs and no wicket.

Image Source: AFP

Shakib’s Redemption

Shakib Al Hasan bore the brunt of the assault but redeemed himself by ending the 39-run opening stand between India skipper Rohit Sharma (23) and stalwart Virat Kohli (37).

Image Source: ANI

Eventful Ninth Over

Rohit offered a skyer to perish but Kohli smacked three sixes before Tanzim Hasan triggered a mini-collapse in the eventful ninth over.

Image Source: ANI

Middle Order Contributions

Rishabh Pant (36) and Shivam Dube (34) overcame sluggish starts before stepping on the gas but it was Pandya, who provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 50 off 27 balls that took India close to the 200-mark.

Image Source: AFP

Pandya and Kuldeep Shine

All-rounder Pandya broke the opening stand when Bangladesh began their chase, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed three quick wickets to effectively derail Bangladesh's chase.

Image Source: AFP

Next: T20 World Cup: Shai Hope blasts West Indies to victory over USA