India’s dominance was on full display in the first T20I against Bangladesh, as they secured a resounding seven-wicket victory. The home team maintained control throughout the match, first restricting Bangladesh to a modest 127 runs and then chasing down the target with ease. The match was a memorable one for Varun Chakravarthy, who made a triumphant return to the national team after a three-year hiatus. The finger spinner showcased his prowess by claiming three wickets, justifying his inclusion in the playing eleven ahead of leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi.
The packed crowd at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, witnessing its first international match, was treated to a spectacular display of fireworks during India’s chase. Sanju Samson (29 runs off 19 balls, including six fours) and Suryakumar Yadav (29 runs off 14 balls, with two fours and three sixes) set the stage ablaze with their aggressive batting. Hardik Pandya (39 runs not out, including five fours and two sixes) then took center stage, smashing a huge six over midwicket to seal the victory in style. He entertained the crowd with a no-look ramp shot off Taskin Ahmed, showcasing his flair and skill. Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy joined in the fun, finishing unbeaten on 16 runs.
On a slow wicket, Bangladesh adopted a cautious approach, which ultimately cost them dearly. Their intent to nudge the ball around allowed the Indian bowlers to exert pressure. The visitors lost a crucial wicket early in the first over when Litton Das, without purpose, skied a shot off Arshdeep Singh. In his next over, Arshdeep continued his impressive form by dismissing Parvez Hossain Emon, who edged the ball back onto the stumps.
Varun Chakravarthy was introduced into the attack in the fifth over and was unlucky to see Nitish Kumar Reddy drop a catch in the deep. However, he soon redeemed himself by dismissing Towhid Hridoy with a well-directed length ball. He then displayed his skills, expertly slanting one between bat and pad to remove Jaker Ali. In a dominant performance, Varun added a third victim in Rishad Hossain to complete his impressive haul.
All eyes were on Mayank Yadav, who was making his international debut. Mayank, known for his searing pace in the IPL 2024, started with a maiden over. He consistently bowled at the right lengths throughout his four overs, but couldn’t quite replicate the pace that made him a force in the IPL. His top speed remained below 150 kmph, noticeably slower than his usual IPL thunderbolts. It seemed as if the Bangladesh batters were wary of Mayank’s reputation, which allowed him to take full advantage and record impressive figures of 1 for 21.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, on the other hand, was not as successful with the ball. His medium pace and variations proved to be easy pickings for the Bangladesh batsmen, prompting the captain to restrict him to just two overs. Washington Sundar managed to dismiss captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who mistimed a good-length delivery back to the bowler.
Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya expertly handled the death overs, showcasing their experience and skill. In a comprehensive performance, the clinical Indians were simply too good on all counts, leaving no room for Bangladesh to make a comeback.
