On October 12, 2024, cricket fans witnessed a spectacular display of power-hitting and dominating performance as India crushed Bangladesh in the 3rd T20I match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The Men in Blue not only won the match by a staggering 133 runs but also completed a 3-0 series whitewash, showcasing their superiority in the shortest format of the game.
Key Highlights
- India posted a monumental total of 297/6 in 20 overs
- Sanju Samson scored a blistering 111 off 47 balls
- Suryakumar Yadav contributed with a 75
- India registered the highest team total in T20Is by a Test-playing nation
- Bangladesh were restricted to 164/7 in their 20 overs
The Batting Masterclass
Sanju Samson’s Redemption
Sanju Samson, who was under pressure to perform, silenced his critics with a breathtaking innings. His 111 runs came off just 47 balls, including 8 sixes and 11 fours. The highlight of his innings was when he smashed five sixes in a single over bowled by Rishad Hossain, demonstrating his explosive batting prowess.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Captaincy Special
Captain Suryakumar Yadav led from the front with a brilliant 75 off 45 balls. His innings was crucial in maintaining the momentum set by Samson. The duo put on a phenomenal 173-run partnership off just 70 balls, laying the foundation for India’s record-breaking total.
Late Flourish
Towards the end of the innings, Hardik Pandya (47 off 18 balls) and Riyan Parag (34 off 13 balls) provided the perfect finishing touch. Their quick-fire partnership of 70 runs ensured that India crossed the 290-run mark, setting an almost insurmountable target for Bangladesh.
Bowling Dominance
India’s bowlers complemented the batsmen’s efforts with a disciplined performance. Here’s a breakdown of the key bowling performances:
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Economy Rate |
| Mayank Yadav | 4 | 2 | 7.25 |
| Ravi Bishnoi | 4 | 2 | 8.00 |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 4 | 0 | 5.75 |
| Nitish Reddy | 4 | 1 | 6.50 |
Mayank Yadav, in particular, impressed with his raw pace, consistently bowling over 150 km/h and picking up crucial wickets.
Bangladesh’s Struggle
Chasing a mammoth target of 298, Bangladesh never really got going. They lost their first wicket on the very first ball of the innings when Mayank Yadav dismissed Parvez Hossain Emon for a golden duck. From there on, it was an uphill battle for the visitors.
Litton Das (42) and Towhid Hridoy (50*) showed some resistance, but the required run rate was always climbing beyond their reach. In the end, Bangladesh could only manage 164/7 in their 20 overs, falling short by 133 runs.
Record-Breaking Night
This match will be remembered for several records:
- Highest T20I score by a Test-playing nation (297/6)
- Sanju Samson’s fastest T20I century for India (40 balls)
- Most sixes in a T20I innings by India (21)
Mahmudullah’s Farewell
The match also marked the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket as former captain Mahmudullah played his last T20I. Although he could only manage 8 runs in his final innings, he received a warm send-off from both teams, acknowledging his significant contributions to Bangladesh cricket over the years.
Looking Ahead
This comprehensive series win will boost India’s confidence as they continue to build towards the upcoming T20 World Cup. The emergence of young talents like Mayank Yadav and the resurgence of players like Sanju Samson add depth to an already strong Indian squad.
For Bangladesh, this series serves as a wake-up call. They failed to win a single match across both the Test and T20I series, indicating the need for serious introspection and improvement in their approach to playing in Indian conditions.
Key Takeaways
- India’s Batting Depth: With multiple players capable of playing match-winning innings, India’s batting lineup looks formidable.
- Pace is Ace: Mayank Yadav’s express pace adds a new dimension to India’s bowling attack, complementing the spin options.
- Bangladesh’s Struggles: The visitors need to address their batting and bowling weaknesses, especially in handling pressure situations.
- Leadership Impact: Suryakumar Yadav’s aggressive captaincy and lead-by-example approach paid rich dividends for India.
- World Cup Preparations: This series win will be a significant morale booster for India as they fine-tune their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.