T20 WC: Pandya shines as India thrash Bangladesh, move closer to semis

NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya‘s stellar all-round performance and Kuldeep Yadav‘s clever bowling helped India secure a convincing 50-run victory against Bangladesh in their second Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup on Saturday, positioning them favorably for a semifinals berth. India scored 196 for five, thanks to contributions from Virat Kohli, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya.In response, Bangladesh struggled to 146/8 in their 20 overs.
Virat Kohli (37 off 28) found some rhythm at the crease before Shivam Dube (34 off 24) and Hardik Pandya (50 not out off 27) pushed India to their highest total at the venue. Pandya provided the final flourish, completing his half-century off the last ball of the innings.
India’s bowlers ensured that Bangladesh never posed a serious challenge in the steep run-chase. Kuldeep Yadav (3/19) made the Bangladesh batters look clueless with his mix of googlies and stock deliveries. Jasprit Bumrah (2/13 in four overs) also offered a frugal bowling effort.
“Bangladesh skipper Najmul Shanto (40 off 32) played some attacking shots including two sixes over fine leg off Hardik but did not get support from others as the batters let the team down once again.”
After Litton Das (13 off 10) pulled Hardik for a six over deep mid-wicket, he was caught at deep square leg the next ball. Litton’s premeditated walk across the stumps led to his dismissal.
Kuldeep quickly made an impact by getting rid of opener Tanzid Hasan (29) with a wrong’un, trapping him leg before wicket. Towhid Hridoy, Bangladesh’s standout batter so far, went for a sweep against Kuldeep but missed it completely to be adjudged LBW.
Bangladesh, at 76 for three in the 12th over, could only delay the inevitable as wickets kept falling.
India’s innings was buoyed by a strong start from skipper Rohit Sharma (23 off 11) and Virat Kohli. They allowed themselves to play freely unlike in previous games. Bangladesh’s strategy of starting with spinners from both ends against the two right-handers was unusual.
Rohit hit three fours and one six before mistiming a shot to be caught. Kohli’s shots included a notable 94m six off Mustafizur Rahman. Kohli also launched leg-spinner Rishad Hossain for a straight six but was later deceived by a slow off-cutter from pacer Tanzim Hasan.
Suryakumar Yadav also fell in quick succession, caught after a delivery jumped off the length and kissed his gloves. This left India at 83 for three in 10 overs.
“Rishabh Pant (36 off 24) then brought the momentum back in India’s favour by collecting two fours and a six over deep midwicket off Mustafizur who had a rare off day.”
Pant attacked Rishad Hossain in the next over but was dismissed by the reverse sweep for the second consecutive innings. Dube and Hardik then forged a 53-run stand to propel the innings forward.
Hardik’s innings included four boundaries and three sixes. Dube targeted the deep midwicket boundary against spinners and hit Tanzim Hasan for a six down the ground.
India’s victory against Bangladesh marked their second straight win in the Super 8s. They will face Australia, the only other unbeaten team, in their final Super 8 fixture in St Lucia on Monday.
Bangladesh’s batting wobbles continued despite their captain’s efforts, making it difficult for them to chase down India’s substantial total. Their inability to support Shanto was evident throughout the innings. After Litton Das’s brief cameo, there was little resistance.
Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya emerged as the heroes for India. Kuldeep’s introduction in the Caribbean leg of the competition has paid off well for the team. Hardik’s all-round skills shined through, setting up a competitive total and then contributing with the ball.
For India, this win edges them closer to a semifinals spot with a key challenge against Australia forthcoming. Their strategy to utilize both fast bowling and spin showcased a well-rounded and adaptable side.
In summary, India’s overall strong performance led by key players secured a significant victory against Bangladesh, moving them a step closer to the semifinals in the T20 World Cup.