India beat Bangladesh by 50 runs in Super 8 stage

Victory makes India almost a certain candidate for a place in the semis, Pandya’s late burst took India to 196 for 6, a total that was beyond Bangladesh’s reach

By Abdul Mohi Shah

June 23, 2024

India’s captain Rohit Sharma hits a six during the ICC men’s Twenty20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight cricket match between India and Bangladesh at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda, on June 22, 2024. — AFP

ANTIGUA, Caribbean Islands: Hardik Pandya’s (50 not out) quick-fire fifty inspired India to 50 runs win against Bangladesh in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup at the Sir Vivan Richard Stadium (North Sound) Saturday.

The victory makes India almost a certain candidate for a place in the semis. Pandya’s late burst took India to 196 for 6, a total that was beyond Bangladesh’s reach.

Bangladesh could only manage 146 for 8 in reply as spinner Kuldeep Yadav picked up 3 for 19. Jasprit Bumrah (2-13) was again the best of bowlers for India. Captain Najamul Hasan Shanto (40) was the only notable run getter for Bangladesh as all others found it hard to chase down a challenging total.

Earlier, Hardik Pandya took the attack back to bowlers, striking some powerful hits to take Indian team score closer to 200. His 27-ball fifty was studded with three sixes and four boundaries. In the last 2.5 overs, he added 35 runs to the total which gave a real impetus to the runs scoring.

When Hardik reached at crease, Rishabh Pant (36) lost his wicket at the total score of 108 in the 12th over. Then Hardik started cutting loose, keeping Indian scoring momentum at around 10 runs per over. Together with Shivam Dube (34), he scored 53 for the fifth wicket and added another 35 for the unbeaten 6th wicket with Axer Patel (3 not out) being a mere spectator.

Rohit Sharma (23) and Virat Kohli (37) put up 39 runs in less than 4 overs to give a decent start to Indian innings after they were put to bat first. Kohli struck three sixes and a four in his innings and looked like running away with some quick runs when his stumps were rattled by Tanzim Hassan Sakib (2-33). The pacer turned out to be the best of bowlers for Bangladesh.

Score: India 196 for 5 (Hardik Pandya 50 not out, Virat Kohli 37, Rishabh Pant 36, Shivam Dube 34, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 2-32, Rishad Hossain 2-43)

Bangladesh 146 for 8 in 20 overs (Najamul Hasan Shanto 40, Tanzid Hasan 29, Kuldeep Yadav 3-19, Jasprit Bumrah 2-13, Arshdeep Singh 2-30). Man of the Match: Hardik Pandya.