Team India maintained their flawless record, extending their unbeaten streak by defeating Bangladesh by 50 runs in their Super Eight stage clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Saturday, 22 June. This victory, marked by stellar performances from Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav, solidified India’s position as a top contender in the tournament.

India’s batting performance

After being asked to bat first, India’s top order laid a solid foundation. The openers took advantage of the conditions, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli setting the tone. Sharma’s aggressive start was crucial, but it was the middle order that truly shone.

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Hardik Pandya’s impactful knock

Hardik Pandya’s unbeaten 27-ball half-century was the highlight of India’s innings. Coming in at a crucial juncture, Pandya’s aggressive approach paid off as he struck four boundaries and three sixes. His knock ensured India posted a competitive total, finishing at 196/5.

Support from Other batters

Contributions from Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Shivam Dube were instrumental in building the innings. Kohli’s 37, Pant’s entertaining 36, and Dube’s solid 34 provided the backbone of India’s batting, each playing with a strike rate above 150, ensuring a formidable target.

Bangladesh’s chase

Bangladesh’s chase began positively with openers Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das putting together a 35-run partnership. However, their momentum was halted as wickets began to fall, starting with Das being dismissed by Hardik Pandya.

Collapse of the Bangladesh batting lineup

The middle and lower order of Bangladesh struggled against India’s disciplined bowling. Kuldeep Yadav’s breakthroughs were complemented by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, who kept the pressure on with timely wickets, leading to a rapid collapse.

Kuldeep Yadav’s crucial wickets

Kuldeep Yadav’s three-wicket haul was pivotal in India’s defense. His ability to take key wickets at crucial moments derailed Bangladesh’s chase. Dismissing Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, and Shakib Al Hasan, Kuldeep’s spell turned the game in India’s favor.

Notable performances by Indian bowlers

Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh played crucial roles alongside Kuldeep. Bumrah’s precision and Arshdeep’s ability to strike in the death overs were instrumental in restricting Bangladesh to 146/8, securing a 50-run victory for India.

Player of the Match

Hardik Pandya | Player of the Match: We have played really good cricket. More than anything we have stuck together and executed our plans. I did realise the batters wanted to use the breeze, I made sure I did not give them a chance where the wind was blowing, it was about being one step ahead as a batter. We as a group can get better in a lot of places, losing wickets in bunches is something we can rectify and get better at, apart from that, we are looking good. I have been fortunate to play for the country, it was a freak injury I had, I wanted to come back but God had other plans. Luck comes to people who work hard and that has stuck with me for a long time.

India will qualify for the semifinals if Afghanistan fail to beat Australia later in the night.

Most wins against a team without a defeat in T20 WCs
6 Australia vs Bangladesh
6 Pakistan vs Bangladesh
5 India vs Bangladesh *

Most consecutive wins for India in T20Is
12 bw Nov 2021 & Feb 2022
9 bw Jan 2020 & Dec 2020
9 bw Dec 2023 & June 2024 *