T20 World Cup 2024, Super Eight, India vs Bangladesh: Hardik's heroics put India in commanding position after 1st innings - Cricket Winner

India’s batters put on a dazzling show against Bangladesh in their T20 World Cup Super Eight match at North Sound, Antigua. The team notched up their highest total in the tournament so far, showcasing a blend of aggression and strategic play.

India’s strong start

The Indian innings began with a flurry of runs, thanks to the aggressive start from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both batters were quick off the blocks, setting the tone for a high-scoring match. Unfortunately, Rohit departed within the fourth over, but not before making a significant impact.

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After Rohit’s dismissal, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant took on the responsibility of keeping the scoreboard ticking. Kohli’s 37 off 28 balls and Pant’s 34 off 26 provided the necessary stability and momentum. Their partnership was crucial in laying a strong foundation for the middle and lower order to capitalize on.

India star Virat Kohli scripted history by becoming the first batter to score 3000 runs in ICC Men’s World Cups, spanning both ODI and T20I formats. Kohli achieved this milestone during his 37-run innings against Bangladesh in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Middle order contributions

Shivam Dube played a pivotal role in the middle overs. Although he started off slowly, he caught up with a solid 34 off 24 balls. His innings provided the much-needed push during a critical phase of the match, bridging the gap between the top order and the explosive finishers.

Hardik Pandya’s heroics

The highlight of the Indian innings was undoubtedly Hardik Pandya’s explosive knock. His unbeaten 50 off 27 balls was a masterclass in power-hitting and strategic placement. Hardik’s innings was instrumental in propelling India to a formidable total, demonstrating why he remains a vital part of the squad.

India could not have asked for a better finish to their innings. The last over yielded 18 runs, thanks to Hardik Pandya’s brilliance. Mustafizur Rahman, who had a day to forget, conceded 48 runs in his four overs, including three boundaries in the final over. This late surge ensured India ended on a high note with a total of 196 for 5.

Bangladesh’s bowling ffforts

Tanzim Hasan Sakib was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh. His figures of 2 for 32 were a silver lining in an otherwise challenging outing for the bowlers. Tanzim’s fiery send-off to Virat Kohli and his crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav were standout moments.

No teams has successfully chased a 180+ target in all T20s in North Sound before.

196/5 by India
third highest total for India in T20 WCs
highest total in T20Is in North Sound

13 sixes by India today – the most they have hit in a T20 World Cup match surpassing 11 against England in Durban in 2007.

Most wickets for Bangladesh in an edition of T20 WC
11 Tanzim Hasan (2024)
11 Rishad Hossain (2024)
11 Shakib Al Hasan (2021)
10 Shakib Al Hasan (2016)
10 Al Amin Hossain (2014)