* Hardik Pandya scores 50 runs and Kuldeep Yadav takes 3 scalps to bolster India win – Super 8 (Match 47)
By Dwayne Ferreira
India delivered a commanding performance to crush Bangladesh by 50 runs in their Super 8s match of the T20 World Cup 2024. This victory, India’s second in the Super 8s, showcased their dominance and significantly boosted their net run rate (NRR) in Group 1. If Australia wins their next game against Afghanistan, both India and Australia will qualify for the semi-finals.
After being put in to bat, India got off to a solid start with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli providing a steady opening stand. Rohit hit two sixes but was dismissed for 23 off 11 balls. Virat Kohli looked in fine form, scoring 37 before getting out. Despite the quick wickets of Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant continued his magnificent form, accelerating the scoring rate. Hardik Pandya played a crucial role with a quickfire half-century, helping India post a formidable total of 196.
India’s bowlers then took center stage, with Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah delivering exceptional performances. Hardik took a vital wicket early on, while Kuldeep exploited the pitch conditions to take three wickets, conceding minimal runs. Jasprit Bumrah bowled four overs of disciplined bowling, ending with brilliant figures and two wickets. Arshdeep Singh also contributed with a couple of wickets, ensuring Bangladesh never got back into the game.
Despite a promising start from Bangladesh, their chase faltered as India’s bowlers consistently took wickets and maintained pressure. Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das began well, but after Litton’s dismissal, the scoring rate dropped significantly. Najmul Hossain Shanto tried to anchor the innings, but wickets kept falling at the other end. The Indian bowlers’ relentless attack and disciplined performance ensured that Bangladesh never recovered, leading to a comprehensive and morale-boosting victory for India.
Chief Scores :-
India – 196 for 5 in 20 overs (Hardik Pandya 50*, Virat Kohli 37, Rishabh Pant 36, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 2 for 32, Rishad Hossain 2 for 43)
Bangladesh 146 for 8 in 20 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 40, Tanzid Hasan 29, Rishad Hossain 24, Kuldeep Yadav 3 for 19, Jasprit Bumrah 2 for 13)
Player of the Match – Hardik Pandya (50* & 1 for 32)