India vs Bangladesh 1st T20I 2024, The first T20I between India and Bangladesh, held at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior on 6th October, was nothing short of a spectacular performance by the Indian cricket team. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India dominated the Nazmul Hossain Shanto-led Bangladesh team, securing a convincing 7-wicket win in the first match of the three-game series.
A Clinical Chase: India’s Batting Brilliance: India vs Bangladesh 1st T20I 2024
Chasing a modest target of 128, the Indian batting lineup made short work of Bangladesh’s bowling attack, reaching the target in just 11.5 overs. India’s scorecard read 132/3, showcasing an aggressive yet calculated approach from the batters. The top-order batters, including Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, contributed effectively, but it was Hardik Pandya who stole the show with his unbeaten knock of 39 off just 21 balls. His finishing touch ensured that India crossed the finish line with ease, leaving Bangladesh with no chance to bounce back.
Key Contributions:
- Sanju Samson: 29 runs from 19 balls
- Suryakumar Yadav: 29 runs from 20 balls
- Abhishek Sharma: 16 runs from 14 balls
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: 16* from 9 balls
- Hardik Pandya: 39* from 21 balls
Bangladesh’s bowling attack, despite a few early breakthroughs, couldn’t keep up the pressure. Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up one wicket each, but the lack of consistency from other bowlers allowed India to dominate.
Bangladesh’s Struggles with the Bat
Earlier in the day, after winning the toss and electing to field, India’s decision proved spot on as Bangladesh faltered with the bat. Bangladesh’s innings never quite took off, as their batters found it hard to tackle the Indian bowling attack. By the 10th over, they were reeling at 64/5, and eventually, they were bundled out for 127 in 19.5 overs.
The top order failed to deliver, and while some middle-order batters like Mahmudullah tried to steady the innings, they couldn’t make enough of an impact. Bangladesh’s lack of partnerships and inability to counter India’s disciplined bowling made their task of setting a competitive target almost impossible.
Top Scorers for Bangladesh:
- Mahmudullah: 22 runs from 23 balls
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (c): 19 runs from 17 balls
- Towhid Hridoy: 16 runs from 17 balls
India’s bowlers were on fire, with Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy leading the charge. Chakravarthy, who made his return to the national team after a three-year hiatus, showed why he remains a vital asset with his ability to extract turn and deceive the batters.
Arshdeep Singh: The Star of the Match
Arshdeep Singh’s performance was nothing short of outstanding. He finished with figures of 3/14, bowling at an economy rate of just 3.65. His ability to swing the ball and maintain a tight line and length was crucial in dismantling Bangladesh’s batting order. For his stellar performance, he was rightfully awarded the ‘Player of the Match.’
Arshdeep Singh’s Bowling Figures:
3 wickets for 14 runs in 3.5 overs.
Arshdeep’s wickets came at critical junctures of the game, halting any momentum Bangladesh might have built. His precise bowling made it difficult for the Bangladeshi batters to score freely, and his variations ensured they couldn’t settle at the crease.
Varun Chakravarthy’s Impactful Comeback
Another key figure in India’s bowling attack was Varun Chakravarthy, who made a triumphant return to international cricket. Chakravarthy, known for his mysterious spin and variations, picked up 3 wickets while giving away just 23 runs in his four overs. His spell stifled the middle order and kept Bangladesh from building any meaningful partnerships.
Chakravarthy’s return to the Indian squad after three years brought a refreshing change to the bowling attack. His disciplined bowling, coupled with his deceptive spin, had the Bangladeshi batters in trouble. The conditions at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium seemed to suit him, and he exploited them brilliantly.
Mayank Yadav’s Dream Debut
India also witnessed a stellar debut from Mayank Yadav, who made an immediate impact with his fast bowling. Yadav became the third Indian cricketer to bowl a maiden over in a T20I debut, joining an elite club that includes Ajit Agarkar and Arshdeep Singh. His ability to bowl with pace and accuracy impressed everyone.
In his debut spell, Yadav bowled the sixth over of the innings, which was a maiden. He later picked up his first international wicket, dismissing Mahmudullah with a well-directed delivery. Yadav’s fastest delivery clocked an impressive 149.9 kmph, signaling his potential as a future star for India.
Mayank Yadav’s Debut Figures:
1 wicket for 21 runs in 3 overs.
Bangladesh’s Missed Opportunity
Bangladesh’s inability to capitalize on crucial moments hurt them in the first T20I. Their batting lacked depth, and their bowlers couldn’t contain the aggressive Indian batters. While Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz managed to pick up a wicket each, the rest of the bowling unit failed to back them up.
For Bangladesh, this match was a clear sign that they need to regroup and come up with a stronger plan for the upcoming games. Their top order needs to fire, and their bowlers must find ways to restrict the opposition’s scoring rate, especially on flat pitches like the one in Gwalior.
India’s Strong Start to the Series
With this victory, India has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The second T20I is scheduled to be played at the Arun Jaitley International Stadium in Delhi on 9th October. India will be looking to carry their momentum forward and clinch the series in the second match, while Bangladesh will be hoping to bounce back and level the series.
Key Takeaways from the 1st T20I
- India’s Dominant Batting: India’s top and middle order made light work of the chase, with contributions from key players like Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav.
- Bowling Excellence: Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and debutant Mayank Yadav played pivotal roles in restricting Bangladesh to a below-par total.
- Bangladesh’s Struggles: Bangladesh’s top-order collapse and lack of substantial partnerships cost them the game.
- Arshdeep Singh’s Player of the Match Performance: Arshdeep’s outstanding figures of 3/14 were the highlight of India’s bowling display.
The first T20I between India and Bangladesh was a showcase of India’s all-round superiority. From disciplined bowling to a calculated chase, India left no stone unturned in their pursuit of victory. With the second match just around the corner, fans will be eager to see if India can seal the series or if Bangladesh can stage a comeback. Regardless, this series opener has set the tone for an exciting contest between the two teams.
India vs Bangladesh 1st T20I 2024 was a reminder of India’s depth in both batting and bowling, with star performers like Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya leading from the front. As the teams move to Delhi for the second encounter, the pressure will be on Bangladesh to find answers to India’s dominant display.
