The third T20I between India and Bangladesh lived up to expectations, delivering high drama, quick wickets, and a gripping finish. While the spotlight was expected to remain on India’s star-studded top order, the real hero of the day turned out to be Hardik Pandya, whose calm and determined knock guided India to a competitive position after a sudden middle-order collapse.
Early Setbacks for India
The match kicked off with Bangladesh opting to bowl first, banking on their bowlers to capitalize on early movement. Their gamble paid off as Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav departed in quick succession. Samson, promising much with a couple of crisp boundaries, fell prey to an excellent yorker, while Suryakumar’s attempt to scoop one over fine leg resulted in a simple catch. India was tottering at 58/3, and the pressure started to build.
Hardik Pandya to the Rescue
With the match hanging in the balance, in walked Hardik Pandya — the man for a crisis. Aware that India needed someone to stay at the crease, Pandya shifted gears. Instead of going for his trademark big hits, he chose to rotate the strike, stringing together useful partnerships with Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Pandya’s ability to pick gaps and run hard between the wickets kept the scoreboard ticking. He also unleashed a couple of powerful pull shots that brought the crowd to life. His partnership with Dube was crucial in stabilizing India’s innings after the initial shock.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Brilliance
Bangladesh bowlers didn’t make life easy for India. Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman maintained a tight line, keeping the batters in check. Nasum Ahmed was the standout performer, deceiving batters with his variations and taking crucial wickets at key moments. However, Bangladesh’s inability to control extras—conceding five wides in a single over—hurt them significantly.
The Death Overs: Pandya Takes Charge
As the match entered its final overs, Pandya took things into his own hands. He smashed a couple of massive sixes off Mustafizur, bringing the crowd to its feet. His measured aggression ensured that India finished on 168/6—a score that gave their bowlers a fighting chance.
Bangladesh’s Response: A Wobble in the Chase
Chasing 169, Bangladesh got off to a solid start with Liton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto finding boundaries early. However, things unraveled quickly after Das fell to a slower ball from Arshdeep Singh. Kuldeep Yadav spun his magic in the middle overs, picking up two wickets and choking Bangladesh’s scoring rate.
A Tight Finish
With the required rate climbing, Bangladesh turned to Afif Hossain, who threatened to take the game away with some brilliant shots. But just as it seemed like the game would slip away from India, Pandya returned to bowl a clutch final over, showcasing his all-round brilliance. He dismissed Hossain and ensured India sealed a thrilling 10-run win, clinching the series 2-1.
Key Performers
- Hardik Pandya: 48* off 34 balls, 2/26
- Suryakumar Yadav: 19 off 10 balls
- Kuldeep Yadav: 3/21
- Afif Hossain: 44 off 28 balls
FAQs
Hardik Pandya was the standout performer, contributing both with the bat and ball. His unbeaten 48 and crucial wickets helped India win the match.
India posted 168/6 in their 20 overs, and Bangladesh fell short by 10 runs, managing 158/8.
Suryakumar Yadav looked promising but was dismissed after scoring 19 off 10 balls.
Hardik Pandya’s all-round display and Kuldeep Yadav’s two quick wickets in the middle overs were the game-changers.
Conclusion
The India vs Bangladesh 3rd T20I showcased the beauty of T20 cricket—unexpected twists, individual brilliance, and high-pressure moments. Hardik Pandya’s composure was instrumental in India overcoming early setbacks and clinching a crucial win. With this victory, India takes the series 2-1, entering the upcoming tournaments with momentum. Bangladesh, though disappointed, can take heart from their spirited performances throughout the series.
Will Hardik Pandya’s consistent performances fuel India’s journey to further success, or will the team need others to step up as well? One thing is certain: the road ahead looks exciting for Indian cricket fans!
