India Thrash Bangladesh by 7 Wickets in 1st T20I, Take 1-0 Lead in Series

A strong partnership of 52 runs off 24 balls helped secure the win. / BCCI

India kicked off their 3-match T20I series against Bangladesh with a dominant performance, cruising to a comfortable 7-wicket win in the opening encounter. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue chased down the modest target of 128 with 49 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

After winning the toss, Suryakumar opted to field first, a decision that paid off immediately as India's bowlers made early inroads into the Bangladeshi batting lineup. Bangladesh found themselves in trouble right from the start, losing both openers within the first three overs. 

The Indian attack, featuring an inexperienced yet hungry bowling unit, stifled Bangladesh’s efforts throughout the innings.

Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Bangladesh skipper, and Towhid Hridoy tried to stabilize the innings with a 26-run stand, the highest partnership of the innings. 

However, once the powerplay ended, Bangladesh’s innings unraveled as wickets fell at regular intervals. Arshdeep Singh (3/14) and Varun Chakaravarthy (3/31) were the pick of the bowlers for India, each claiming three wickets. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 127 in 19.5 overs.

Chasing 128, India’s openers started brightly, but a mix-up in the middle saw Abhishek Sharma depart for 16. 

Despite the setback, India continued to bat aggressively. Contributions came from all around, as the batters made sure to keep the scoreboard ticking. Hardik Pandya, the top scorer with an unbeaten 39, sealed the win in style, hitting a six to finish the game.

With this comprehensive victory, India took a commanding lead in the series, and Bangladesh will need to bounce back in the second T20I to stay in the fight.

Brief Scores: 

Bangladesh - 127 all out in 19.5 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 27, Towhid Hridoy 20; Arshdeep Singh 3/14, Varun Chakaravarthy 3/31) 

India - 128/3 in 11.5 overs (Hardik Pandya 39*, Abhishek Sharma 16)
India won by 7 wickets (with 49 balls remaining).

India lead the 3-match series 1-0.

Just the start we wanted! Enjoying every moment out there. Thanks for the love Gwalior 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/SBkugjsAXr

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) October 6, 2024