India Takes Lead in T20 Series by Crushing Bangladesh
Bangladesh failed to put up any competition in the two-match Test series against India. However, the Tigers aimed to bounce back in the T20 series. Despite their hopes, Bangladesh couldn’t stand up to the reigning T20 champions, as India thrashed them by 7 wickets in the first match.
On Sunday, October 6, in Gwalior, Bangladesh set a target of 128 for India after batting first. India comfortably chased it down with 49 balls and 7 wickets in hand, taking a 1-0 lead in the T20 series.
Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson started strong in the chase. Abhishek was run out for 16 off 7 balls, but Suryakumar Yadav came in and quickly added runs with boundaries.
With the help of their top-order batsmen, India cruised towards victory. Despite Indian captain Suryakumar getting out after scoring 29 off 14 balls, Samson contributed 29 off 19 balls. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Hardik Pandya then took charge.
In the end, Nitish's 16 runs and Pandya's explosive 39 off 16 balls led India to a comfortable win, securing victory with 49 balls and 7 wickets to spare.
For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz each took one wicket.
Earlier, Bangladesh, after losing the toss and being asked to bat, had a shaky start. Liton Kumar was dismissed for 4 runs, while fellow opener Parvez Emon managed just 8 runs off 9 balls. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy tried to stabilize the innings.
Despite their efforts, Hridoy was caught out after scoring 12 off 18 balls. Veteran Mahmudullah couldn’t make an impact either, getting out for just 1 run. When Zakir Ali Anik fell for 8 off 6 balls, Bangladesh found themselves in trouble at 57/5.
After Shanto’s dismissal for 27 off 25 balls, Mehidy Hasan Miraz held on, but the lower order crumbled. Rishad (11), Taskin (12), Shoriful (0), and Mustafizur (1) all fell quickly, leaving Bangladesh all out for 127 with just one ball remaining. Miraz remained unbeaten on 35 off 32 balls.
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