India vs Bangladesh 3rd T20I Highlights: Samson, Suryakumar star as India complete 3-0 whitewash

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That ends a difficult tour for Bangladesh. They would have come here with plenty of expectations but were mostly knocked out in nearly every game. However, they will know that life does not end here and it is just an end of a phase. Not in terms of the series but in terms of an era as well. New beginnings will need to be searched upon, to unearth the next set of diamonds. They don't have much time for a turnaround as they head back home for their next assignment - a 2-Test series against South Africa, starting 21st October, 2024. India, on the other hand, have just begun their home season. Bangladesh have been dealt with and it is time for the next challenge - New Zealand. That will be a 3-Test series, which will see the senior players return. The first Test kicks off on 16th October, 2024.

Victorious Indian captain, SURYAKUMAR YADAV, shares his thoughts, highlighting how much the team has achieved together. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a selfless mindset, with players supporting and celebrating each other's performances. The camaraderie within the group is evident. He recalls coach Gautam Gambhir's words before the series, reminding the team that no one is bigger than the game - whether you're on 49 or 99, you must stay committed to the team’s goal, just like Sanju Samson did. He stresses the need for flexibility in both batting and bowling, with bowlers contributing where needed and batters showing adaptability. Ends by saying that the team's performances have been commendable.

HARDIK PANDYA HAS BEEN NAMED THE PLAYER OF THE SERIES. 118 runs at a strike rate of over 222, a wicket and 5 catches to boot. On his mental freedom, Pandya credits it to the atmosphere in the dressing room, created by the skipper and the coach, with everyone enjoying everyone's success. On his physical fitness, Hardik says that his body is feeling fantastic. On his best shot in this innings, HP calls his shot over cover in the final over, as those shots are not easy to play.

SANJU SAMSON HAS BEEN ADJUDGED THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his blistering 111, to go with a catch as well. Samson expresses his gratitude for the energy and support from the dressing room. He shares how happy it makes him to see his teammates celebrate his success. Admits that it can be frustrating knowing what he’s capable of but not always delivering, though he’s learned to handle pressure and failures with experience. Having played many games, he understands the importance of focusing on the process and trusting that good performances will come. Admits that representing his country brings pressure, but he always aimed to keep things simple and take it one ball at a time. He acknowledges the leadership for their unwavering support, not just in words but in actions. Samson recalls how, after two ducks in the previous series, he returned to Kerala uncertain of what would happen next, yet here he is, grateful for the opportunity.

Bangladesh's skipper, NAJMUL HOSSAIN SHANTO, admits that Bangladesh did not play their best cricket. Details that as a group, the batting unit did not execute its plans while the bowling was not consistent, and in this game, it was a match to forget. Wants his players to forget this game, head back home and look ahead to the future, wanting to take more responsibilities. From this particular game, he wishes the seamers would have stuck to their lines and lengths, despite the carnage and the top order getting some more runs.

... THE PRESENTATION ...

RAVI BISHNOI steps in for a chat and expresses his happiness at reaching a small milestone in his career, as he picks up 50 T20I wickets. He mentions that the healthy competition within the team pushes him to stay consistent with the ball. Bishnoi acknowledges that the wicket is challenging, but believes it's important to accept it and focus on self-improvement. He also shares that he's been working on several things in the nets and feels that the more he plays, the better his performances will become. That was not the presentation. Please stay tuned for the series presentation.

Earlier in the evening, after winning the toss, India wasted little time in making their intent felt. They lost a wicket early but the ones who came in next just expressed their freedom clearly and clarity of mind. Sanju Samson set the tone with a fine 111, well supported by Suryakumar Yadav's 75 but the others also chipped in, falling just 3 short of 300. Tanzim Hasan Sakib picked up 3 wickets but it was a day where every Bangladeshi bowler will want to forget.

Ravi Shastri on air, called this as the 'C' team for India. That's because this is definitely not India's best squad on paper. This is the backup of the bench strength, which shows how far has the level of cricket reached in this country. Once the batters posted 297, the hosts were never under pressure but the bowlers were not complacent. Mayank Yadav bowled with fire, picking up a couple of wickets while Ravi Bishnoi went through the middle order of Bangladesh, taking 3 scalps. Overall, what would have pleased India is, irrespective of the scenario, the bowlers did not lift their foot off the pedal. 10th consecutive win in T20Is for India and 7th consecutive bilateral series win at home in this format. Take a bow.

Spare a thought for Mahmudullah. His final game in the T20I format and he would have wished to make it memorable. It indeed will be memorable but in the opposite sense, because no one from the team will forget this mauling for the rest of their lives. It ends a great career and perhaps, sets the sun on Bangladesh's golden period for a while. They will have to dig deep to again find the new Shakibs, the Rahims, the Tamims and the Mahmudullahs.

One of those games, where the match probably ended when the run chase began. Now-a-days, 298 is difficult to chase down in ODIs, let alone in T20Is. Bangladesh could not come out swinging and unfortunately for them, they could string any partnerships either. Just one stand crossed 50 and that was between Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy. However, either side of that half century stand, there was a collapse. 59 for the first 3 wickets and 27 for the last 4 wickets. Only Das and Hridoy could cross 20 and that is not a true picture of how the surface behaved, as it was actually good for batting.

End of a tough outing for Bangladesh. Not only for the day, but for the series and the tour in general. Nothing has gone their way in this entire tour and it is a bit difficult to digest for a team which arrived on Indian shores after beating Pakistan in their own backyard. A defeat by 133 runs means it is Bangladesh's biggest ever loss in T20Is, in terms of run margin and India's third biggest win.

19.6: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Just a single to end the game! Nitish Kumar Reddy takes pace off and lands it full, outside off, Tanzim Hasan Sakib with no timing looks to drag it across and hits it to long on for just a single. India win the match by a mammoth 133 runs and wrap the series 3-0!

19.5: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Towhid Hridoy, Great effort from Riyan Parag in the deep! Reddy looks for the yorker but serves a low full toss, on middle and off, Towhid Hridoy looks to hoist it but hits it off the cue end and in front of long on. Riyan Parag from the ropes charges in and puts a dive in front but the ball just dips and falls short. The batters cross. 

19.4: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Towhid Hridoy, Ouch! That might sting a bit! On a hard length, angling in on middle, the ball takes off the deck, Towhid Hridoy gets low and looks to pull but misses and seems to have gotten a blow on the elbow. 

19.3: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Fuller, outside off, Tanzim Hasan Sakib has a wild swing and connects. Gets it down to long on for a single.

19.2: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Towhid Hridoy, Short again, but this is closer to the batter. Hridoy pulls it all along the ground to deep mid-wicket. Tanzim wants the second but is sent back.

19.1: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Towhid Hridoy, FOUR! THUMP! Short and wide outside off, the field is up on the off side, so that's easy pickings for Hridoy. He gets across and cuts it over point. Moves to 61 (39).

Who will bowl the final over? Nitish Kumar Reddy. 2-0-23-1 so far.

18.6: Mayank Yadav to Towhid Hridoy, Is that out? No, it isn't! Tanzim Hasan Sakib just makes his ground! Mayank Yadav lands it on a length, on off, Towhid Hridoy plays for the line but gets an outside edge that goes straight to short third and the batters set off for the run. The fielder collects the ball and has a shy at the stumps at the batting end and hits bull's eye. India are celebrating. However, the replay confirms Tanzim Hasan Sakib to have dragged his bat in when the bails were knocked off. 

18.5: Mayank Yadav to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Gets away with that one does Mayank Yadav! Looks for the yorker but slips a full toss on middle and off, Tanzim Hasan Sakib tries to whip it away but gets a thick outside edge that flies to deep third for a single. 

18.4: Mayank Yadav to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Another steep bouncer, well directed, over middle, Tanzim Hasan Sakib looks for the pull but is beaten by the extra bounce and pace on it. 

18.3: Mayank Yadav to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Good reply from the fast bowler. Decides to go short, around off stump, Tanzim goes for the pull but is comprehensively beaten.

18.2: Mayank Yadav to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, FOUR! THRASH! This time he connects. A length ball, outside off, Tanzim Hasan Sakib gives himself room to the leg side and thumps it on the off side, square of the wicket.

18.1: Mayank Yadav to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mayank Yadav will bowl out in the 19th over. Starts with a length ball, around off, coming in with the angle, Tanzim Hasan Sakib backs away to the leg side and looks to slap it away but finds cover.

17.6: Ravi Bishnoi to Towhid Hridoy, Bowls the wrong one, slower and on middle and leg, Towhid Hridoy is cramped for room and he bunts it out to the right of the bowler.

17.5: Ravi Bishnoi to Towhid Hridoy, FOUR! Crunched! Ravi Bishnoi keeps it short and on off, Towhid Hridoy slaps it through covers for a boundary.  150 UP FOR BANGLADESH.

17.4: Ravi Bishnoi to Towhid Hridoy, SIX! FIFTY FOR TOWHID HRIDOY OFF 35 BALLS! Gets every bit of it, sending it flying over the ropes! Short and on middle, Towhid Hridoy hangs back and nails his pull over mid-wicket for a biggie.

17.3: Ravi Bishnoi to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Around off, worked through mid on for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib is the new man in at number 9, replacing Rishad Hossain.

17.2: Ravi Bishnoi to Rishad Hossain, OUT! CAUGHT! Bangladesh are caving in now. Floated, outside off, Rishad Hossain attempts a massive hoick down the ground, aiming to clear the long on fence. But he gets more height than distance and only finds Abhishek Sharma over there. Third wicket for Ravi Bishnoi, whose figures read 3.2-1-19-3! The tourists have slipped from 112/3 to 139/7.

17.1: Ravi Bishnoi to Towhid Hridoy, Dropped short, outside off, turning away, Towhid Hridoy rocks back and pulls it wide of long on for a single.

Should be a bowling change now, as Chakaravarthy is done with his spell. It is Ravi Bishnoi. 3-1-18-2 so far.

16.6: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rishad Hossain, Goes wider on off and slows it up a bit, fuller again, Rishad Hossain looks for a heave but plays well inside the line of the ball. Strong comeback from Nitish Kumar Reddy! Just 3 runs off it.

16.5: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rishad Hossain, Gets the line closer to the off-stump and keeps the length tight, Rishad Hossain has another swing and another miss. This time the ball zips past the off stump. 

16.4: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rishad Hossain, Takes pace off and serves it outside off, fuller in length, Rishad Hossain has a wild swing across but fails to connect. 

Rishad Hossain walks in at number 8, replacing Mahedi Hasan.

16.3: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Mahedi Hasan, OUT! CAUGHT! Another one falls. We might be into a procession now. A slower ball from Reddy, fuller, but importantly, closer to the off stump. Mahedi Hasan is standing outside his off stump and looked to hit it down the ground but could not get the timing, due to lack of pace. Easy catch for Riyan Parag at long on.

16.2: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Towhid Hridoy, Fuller, outside off, hit down to long off for a single.

16.1: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Towhid Hridoy, A length ball, wide outside off, Towhid Hridoy gets a long way across and throws his bat at it. Gets a massive top edge which goes high in the air. The substitute fielder, Tilak Varma, charges in from deep point and dives but cannot get to the ball. A couple of runs taken.

Nitish Kumar Reddy returns. Will be hoping for a better outing as compared to his opening over which went for 20.

15.6: Varun Chakaravarthy to Towhid Hridoy, Short and outside off, Towhid Hridoy slaps it to deep point for a single. Varun Chakaravarthy finishes with figures of 4-0-23-0!

15.5: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mahedi Hasan, Into the pads, on a fuller length, Mahedi Hasan clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

15.4: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mahedi Hasan, How did that miss the stumps? Varun Chakaravarthy bowls it short and over middle, Mahedi Hasan backs a long way out and fails to get any bat. The ball zips over the middle stump!

15.3: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mahedi Hasan, Short, outside off, Mahedi Hasan cuts it to the right of point. He sets off for the single but is sent back. A second view suggests that there was a single on offer as the fielder had some room to cover to his right.

15.2: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mahedi Hasan, Outside off, pushed back to the bowler.

15.1: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mahedi Hasan, Full, around middle, dabbed to the leg side.

14.6: Mayank Yadav to Mahedi Hasan, Slants it in, full and on middle and leg, Mahedi Hasan taps it to long on for a single.

14.5: Mayank Yadav to Mahedi Hasan, On a length, outside off, Mahedi Hasan hangs back and cuts but straight to point.

14.4: Mayank Yadav to Towhid Hridoy, Shorter in length and on middle and leg, Towhid Hridoy makes room and cuts it to point for a single.

14.3: Mayank Yadav to Mahedi Hasan, Fires in a yorker, on middle and off, Mahedi Hasan just about manages to keep it out towards mid on for a single.

Mahedi Hasan walks in at number 7, replacing Mahmudullah.

14.2: Mayank Yadav to Mahmudullah, OUT! CAUGHT! Picked the fielder to perfection and that wraps the journey for Mahmudullah in T20Is! Mayank Yadav hurries the batter with express pace, on a length and over off, Mahmudullah goes through with his shot across the line and hits it off the upper half of the bat. Skies it straight down the throat of Riyan Parag at long on who grabs a simple take. 

14.1: Mayank Yadav to Mahmudullah, FOUR! Fortuitous boundary! Mayank Yadav charges in and fires it on a length, on off, Mahmudullah throws everything in the tank at this one but gets a thick outside edge that flies over short third for a boundary. 

Mayank Yadav is back on. 2-0-19-1 so far.

13.6: Varun Chakaravarthy to Towhid Hridoy, FOUR! Helped on its way! 7 runs come off this over! Varun Chakaravarthy digs it into the deck, angling into the pads, Towhid Hridoy covers the line and with his bottom hand coming into play whips it behind square on the leg side beating the diving fielder at deep backward square leg for a boundary. 

13.5: Varun Chakaravarthy to Towhid Hridoy, Quicker and fuller, outside off, Towhid Hridoy waits back and tries to cut hard but misses. 

13.4: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mahmudullah, Tossed up, full and on middle, Mahmudullah looks for a big slog sweep but luckily for him, he doesn't time it right. The ball falls just in front of deep mid-wicket to his left for a single. 

13.3: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mahmudullah, Keeps it tight, over off, on a nagging length, Mahmudullah waits and cuts it late, straight to backward point. 

13.2: Varun Chakaravarthy to Towhid Hridoy, Goes a tad fuller and on off, with some extra bounce off the deck, Towhid Hridoy cuts it to deep point for a single.

13.1: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mahmudullah, Short and on off, Mahmudullah punches it past cover for a single. 

Hmmm... so for those wondering for whom is Tilak Varma fielding on the ground... it is Rinku Singh. Murali Kartik on air informs us that during the first over of the run chase, he was seen holding his knee and maybe, that's why he has decided to get it checked by the physio. Varun Chakaravarthy returns. 2-0-14-0 so far.

12.6: Hardik Pandya to Towhid Hridoy, On a good length, outside off, Towhid Hridoy steps closer to the line and slaps it straight to point. 7 runs come off that over!

12.5: Hardik Pandya to Mahmudullah, Takes pace off and hurls it fuller in length, outside off, Mahmudullah carves it aerially to deep cover for just a single.

12.5: Hardik Pandya to Mahmudullah, WIDE! On a length, well outside the tramline on off. Left alone by Mahmudullah!

12.4: Hardik Pandya to Towhid Hridoy, Goes back to bowling full and jams one just around the blockhole, on middle and off, Towhid Hridoy digs it out to point for a single.

12.3: Hardik Pandya to Towhid Hridoy, Digs it in very short, just outside off, Towhid Hridoy rides the bounce and cuts it hard and to the left of deep point. Tilak Varma charges to the ball on his right and makes a sharp stop saving two runs for his side. 

12.2: Hardik Pandya to Mahmudullah, Back of a length, angling into the batter, on middle, Mahmudullah hops back and tucks it in front of long on for a single.

12.1: Hardik Pandya to Towhid Hridoy, Comes from over the wicket and lands it very full, outside off, Towhid Hridoy gets closer to the line and whips it off the cue end of his bat to deep cover for a single.

11.6: Ravi Bishnoi to Mahmudullah, Full and on middle and off, Mahmudullah goes back on the back foot and stabs it down the deck. 

11.5: Ravi Bishnoi to Mahmudullah, Loops it up, on off, Mahmudullah lunges out and makes a block first up!

Mahmudullah walks in at number 6, replacing Litton Das, in his final T20I.

11.4: Ravi Bishnoi to Litton Das, OUT! CAUGHT! Ravi Bishnoi picks up his second wicket of the night. This is also his 50th wicket in this format. It is a bit short, outside off. It turns in off the deck. Litton Das goes for the pull shot, but is cramped for room here. Tilak Varma, the substitute fielder in the deep makes no mistake. Decent knock by Litton Das - 42 (25).

11.3: Ravi Bishnoi to Litton Das, Back of a length, outside off. Litton Das goes for the cut but gets beaten here.

11.2: Ravi Bishnoi to Towhid Hridoy, A bit short, on off. Towhid Hridoy pulls it towards wide of long on for one.

11.1: Ravi Bishnoi to Towhid Hridoy, FOUR! Lucky boundary this time around. It is short, outside off. Towhid Hridoy chops it towards short third. The ball takes an awkward bounce in front of Mayank Yadav, and it races down to deep third. 50-RUN STAND IS UP IN 35 BALLS.

10.6: Hardik Pandya to Litton Das, FOUR! Amazing shot. It is a length ball, around middle. Litton Das gets inside the line a bit and laps it over short fine. The ball races away to the boundary. 

10.5: Hardik Pandya to Towhid Hridoy, A length ball, outside off. Towhid Hridoy cuts it towards deep point. Tilak Varma in the deep does well to keep it down to one.

10.4: Hardik Pandya to Towhid Hridoy, SIX! Up and over. This is an amazing hit down the park. It is very full, wide of off. Towhid Hridoy shuffles, gets under the ball this time around and tonks it over long off for a biggie. 100 UP FOR BANGLADESH. 196 more needed from 56 balls.

10.3: Hardik Pandya to Towhid Hridoy, A length ball, wide of off, shaping further away. Towhid Hridoy shuffles across, but does not offer any shot. 

10.3: Hardik Pandya to Towhid Hridoy, WIDE! A full ball, wide of off. This one goes past the tramline. Wide called.

10.2: Hardik Pandya to Towhid Hridoy, Good length, around off. This one climbs on the batter. Hridoy shuffles inside the line and tries to flick it away but misses. The ball rolls onto the off side off his thigh pads. 

10.1: Hardik Pandya to Litton Das, Back of a length, tad slower, outside off. Das opens the face and dabs it in front of short third. The batters cross for one.

DRINKS BREAK. So Bangladesh have avoided the worst-case scenario. The first being their lowest total of 70 and the second being their lowest against India, which is 96. Assuming of course, that will be crossed soon. But two other records could well be broken tonight. India's biggest win in T20Is is 168 runs against New Zealand in Ahmedabad in 2023 while Bangladesh's biggest loss in terms of run margin in T20Is is 104 against South Africa in Sydney in 2022. The spinners are certainly able to make the ball grip and though there isn't much visible turn, they are certainly having the lid over Bangladesh. As far as the visitors are concerned, pride is the only thing left for in this match and tour. 10 overs left. Can they get to 200-210? It will still be a defeat but still, the score will look pretty respectable. India, on the other hand, might want to throw in some challenge to their bowlers, especially with the ball getting wet. Maybe, spinners at the death? Hardik Pandya to start off after the break. 1-0-12-0 so far.

9.6: Abhishek Sharma to Towhid Hridoy, FOUR! Towhid Hridoy is growing in this contest. This boundary surely spoils the over for Abhishek Sharma. It is a full ball, outside off. Towhid Hridoy picks it up early and carves it over covers. The ball races away to the boundary. 8 runs come from this over for the visitors.

9.5: Abhishek Sharma to Litton Das, Just short! It is tossed up, outside off. Das makes some room and flays it over covers. It meets the fielder on a bounce in the deep. The batters take one.

9.4: Abhishek Sharma to Towhid Hridoy, Floated and full, wide of off. Hridoy gets low and slashes it past mid off. They take a single. A very positive start here from Abhishek Sharma. 

9.3: Abhishek Sharma to Towhid Hridoy, Abhishek Sharma goes full, outside off. Towhid Hridoy knocks it into covers.

9.2: Abhishek Sharma to Litton Das, An arm ball this time, angled into the pads. Litton Das steps out of the crease and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

9.1: Abhishek Sharma to Towhid Hridoy, Flatter, around leg. Towhid Hridoy stays back and works it in front of mid on. The batters cross for one.

Abhishek Sharma has been given the ball now. By no means, is he just a part timer. He started his career as an allrounder but over the years, batting took precedence.

8.6: Varun Chakaravarthy to Litton Das, Tossed up, full and outside off. It turns away a bit. Litton Das goes for the slog sweep but gets beaten all ends up.

8.5: Varun Chakaravarthy to Litton Das, This is floated and full, outside off. Litton Das gets on his front foot and tries to defend it out, but ends up playing the wrong line. The batter gets pinged on his pads. Varun Chakaravarthy puts in a stifled appeal here but the umpire is unmoved.

8.4: Varun Chakaravarthy to Towhid Hridoy, Short ball, outside off. Towhid Hridoy cuts it through point for one.

8.3: Varun Chakaravarthy to Towhid Hridoy, SIX! BANG! Towhid Hridoy picks it up nicely. It is looped up, full and on middle. Towhid Hridoy gets low and slogs it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

8.2: Varun Chakaravarthy to Litton Das, It is tossed up, full and outside off. Litton Das prods and blocks it back to the bowler.

8.1: Varun Chakaravarthy to Towhid Hridoy, It is length ball, around middle. Towhid Hridoy flicks it to square leg for one.

7.6: Ravi Bishnoi to Towhid Hridoy, Gets the line, marginally outside off and keeps the length short, Towhid Hridoy clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single off the back foot.

7.5: Ravi Bishnoi to Litton Das, Short and on middle, Litton Das stays deep in the crease and whips it to deep square leg for a single.

7.4: Ravi Bishnoi to Litton Das, FOUR! That's sloppy from Mayank Yadav! Tossed right up, on off by Bishnoi, Litton Das waits for the ball to get to him and guides it to the right of short third. Mayank Yadav fails to bend low to his right and the balls goes through his hands. To make it worse, it races away to the fence. 

7.3: Ravi Bishnoi to Towhid Hridoy, Full and on middle and off, Towhid Hridoy punches it to deep cover for a single.

7.3: Ravi Bishnoi to Towhid Hridoy, WIDE! Sprays this down leg, on a fuller length. Towhid Hridoy looks to tickle it fine but misses. A sharp take from Sanju Samson behind the stumps!

7.2: Ravi Bishnoi to Litton Das, Short and on middle, Litton Das swivels back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

7.1: Ravi Bishnoi to Litton Das, FOUR! Beautifully hit! Tossed up, on off, Litton Das puts his front leg out and whips it away to the left of deep mid-wicket for a boundary. 

6.6: Varun Chakaravarthy to Towhid Hridoy, Short and on off, Towhid Hridoy waits back and steers it to short third. Good start from Varun Chakaravarthy! Just the 5 runs off his first over.

6.5: Varun Chakaravarthy to Towhid Hridoy, Lands it short and well outside off, Towhid Hridoy reaches out and swats it to the left of deep point for a couple of runs. 

6.4: Varun Chakaravarthy to Litton Das, Slows it up and bowls it full, on off, Litton Das turns it around to long on with soft hands for a single.

6.3: Varun Chakaravarthy to Towhid Hridoy, Full and on off, Towhid Hridoy slips on a knee and looks for a slog sweep. Hits it straight to deep mid-wicket for a single.

6.2: Varun Chakaravarthy to Litton Das, Angling back into the pads, on a fuller length, Litton Das tucks it around to deep square leg for a single.

6.1: Varun Chakaravarthy to Litton Das, Starts from over the wicket and goes fuller, outside off, Litton Das looks to cut through the off side but misses. 

Varun Chakaravarthy to start the post-Powerplay period.

5.6: Ravi Bishnoi to Towhid Hridoy, Flatter and quicker, outside off. Towhid Hridoy waits for it and dabs it towards short third. A WICKET MAIDEN for Ravi Bishnoi to start his spell! 59/3 for Bangladesh at the end of the Powerplay. India were 82/1 at this stage.

5.5: Ravi Bishnoi to Towhid Hridoy, Floated this time, outside off. This one skids through. Towhid Hridoy goes for the cut shot but fails to get any bat on it.

5.4: Ravi Bishnoi to Towhid Hridoy, Googly this time, quicker one as well. Towhid Hridoy clears his front leg and tries to whip it away but misses and takes a blow on his pads.

5.3: Ravi Bishnoi to Towhid Hridoy, Full and outside off, the ball keeps low Towhid Hridoy fails to get gis bat down and the ball scoots under through to the keeper. 

5.2: Ravi Bishnoi to Najmul Hossain Shanto, OUT! CAUGHT! Another bowling change that works wonders for Suryakumar Yadav and India! Ravi Bishnoi strikes immediately! Slows it up and bowls it on off, and on a shorter length, Najmul Hossain Shanto looks for a reverse sweep but gets hurried a bit. The ball lobs off the upper half of the bat and goes to the right of the batter. Sanju Samson gets across and takes the simplest of catches. Towhid Hridoy walks in next.

5.1: Ravi Bishnoi to Najmul Hossain Shanto, So nearly sneaked through! Ravi Bishnoi bowls it quicker and fuller, just outside off, and gets the ball to skid off the surface. Najmul Hossain Shanto looks to cut it square on off but misses. The ball zips very close to the outside edge and the off stump. 

4.6: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Litton Das,  FOUR! TAKE THAT! 20 from the over! Horror start for the local lad. Probably the worst ball of the over. Short and well wide outside off, Litton Das raeches out and hammers it over cover-point.

4.5: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Litton Das, FOUR! Hattrick of boundaries and a total of four in this over so far! The length changes but the line still is wide outside off. Fractionally short of full, wide outside off, Das cuts it to the left of point.

4.4: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Litton Das, FOUR! Over cover this time. Once again, width on offer, short outside off, Litton Das stands tall and slaps it over cover. Quality shot. 50 UP FOR BANGLADESH. 248 more needed from 92 balls.

4.3: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Litton Das, FOUR! Litton Das is loving the conditions out here. Good length, around the pads. Das stays back and clips it to deep square leg. Abhishek Sharma covers a lot of ground in the deep, but could not really make the stop. 

4.2: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Litton Das, Overpitched again, wide of off. Das drives it towards point, but to find the fielder this time around.

4.1: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Litton Das, FOUR! A good-looking shot from Das. Nitish Kumar Reddy dishes a half-volley, wide of off. Litton Das leans in and creams it through the gap at covers. The ball races away to the boundary. 

Will Mayank be able to bowl one more with this fire? No. He is given a well-deserved rest. Nitish Kumar Reddy to bowl now.

3.6: Washington Sundar to Litton Das, A touch short, around off, Litton Das hangs back and bunts it down to long on for a single. Just 4 runs and a wicket from Sundar's opener.

3.5: Washington Sundar to Litton Das, Fuller, around off, watchfully defended.

3.4: Washington Sundar to Najmul Hossain Shanto, Outside off, Najmul Hossain Shanto looks to play the reverse sweep but cannot connect well. The ball dribbles to the off side and a single is taken.

3.3: Washington Sundar to Najmul Hossain Shanto, Short ball, angled into the batter. Najmul Hossain Shanto defends it back to the bowler.

3.2: Washington Sundar to Litton Das, Litton Das opens his account this time around. It is full, on the pads. Das clips it behind square on the leg side for a single.

3.2: Washington Sundar to Litton Das, WIDE! Washington Sundar sprays it down the leg side this time on a shorter length. Das gets inside the line and lets this go past. The umpire signals a wide.

Litton Das walks in at number 4, replacing Tanzid Hasan. Easily, one of the most experienced players in the side, is Litton.

3.1: Washington Sundar to Tanzid Hasan, OUT! CAUGHT! An inspirational change from Suryakumar Yadav. Washington Sundar strikes on his very first delivery. It is drifted in, full and around off. The ball turns away with some extra bounce. Tanzid Hasan hangs back and slashes wild at it. The ball catches the outside edge and goes towards short third. Varun Chakaravarthy there gets low in front of him and takes a sharp low catch, close the field. Tanzid Hasan walks back for 15 (12) and Bangladesh are now 35/2! Bit of a relief for Sundar as it was he who had dropped Tanzid in the second over.

Time for spin. Washington Sundar has been given the ball now.

2.6: Mayank Yadav to Najmul Hossain Shanto, Another one beats him. Quick ball, on a length, outside off, angling away, Najmul looks to steer it towards deep third but misses. 18 from the over!

2.6: Mayank Yadav to Najmul Hossain Shanto, WIDE. Shanto is looking to meet fire with fire. Short and fast, but down the leg side, the skipper is quick to pull but is beaten by pace again.

2.5: Mayank Yadav to Najmul Hossain Shanto, FOUR! That's put away nicely. Probably a slower ball, closer to the off stump, angling away, on a length, Najmul Hossain Shanto watches it closely and punches it through the covers. Finds the gap and there is no one in the deep in that direction.

2.5: Mayank Yadav to Tanzid Hasan, Around off, on a good length, pushed towards cover for a single. Oh hang on. The siren blows across the ground and that means it is a NO BALL for overstepping! Free Hit coming up.

2.4: Mayank Yadav to Tanzid Hasan, On a good length, outside leg, Tanzid Hasan looks to work it to the leg side but is comprehensively beaten by pace. The ball skids through, comes in a touch and beats the bat, hitting the pad. Mayank appeals for LBW but the umpire shakes his head. Sanju Samson walks down for a chat with his bowler regarding the review, but Mayank himself says that the ball pitched outside leg.

2.3: Mayank Yadav to Najmul Hossain Shanto, It is full, around off. Shanto mistimes it towards mid on. They cross for one.

The physio has to be called out now for a concussion check. The normal questions will be asked, like how much is 2 plus 2 but on this day, even if the answer is 22, the player should be forgiven. Jokes apart, let's hope that the skipper is fine.

2.2: Mayank Yadav to Najmul Hossain Shanto, FOUR LEG BYES! The ball hits him on the back of the helmet. Mayank Yadav bends his back and bangs in a short ball, on off. Najmul Hossain Shanto goes for the hook, but misses. The ball bounces over the blade, deflects down to deep third off his helmet. The ball races away to the boundary.

2.1: Mayank Yadav to Najmul Hossain Shanto, SIX! BANG! Najmul Hossain Shanto leading from the front here. The skipper is trying to build some kind of a base. It is short, on the bodyline. Najmul Hossain Shanto swivels and smokes it over the square leg fence. It clears the fence with ease.

1.6: Hardik Pandya to Tanzid Hasan, Fuller, around off, Hasan lofts it straight back over the bowler's head but gets more height than distance. Gets away with it though as mid off cannot get back to the ball. Two runs taken, 12 from the over.

1.5: Hardik Pandya to Tanzid Hasan, MISJUDGED, FOUR! Was that a drop? Yes, as per the replay. A short ball, around leg stump, Tanzid comes down the track again and looks to pull. Is cramped for room though but goes through with the shot. Washington Sundar is stationed at deep mid-wicket but he misjudges the ball, running in pretty early for the catch. He realizes late that he has come in too early and has to backtrack. Leaps to make amends for his error but the ball brushes his fingertips and goes behind into the fence. Consecutive boundaries.

1.4: Hardik Pandya to Tanzid Hasan, FOUR! SPANKED! A length ball, around middle, angling away, Tanzid Hasan comes down the track, gives himself some room to the leg side and smashes it over point.

1.3: Hardik Pandya to Tanzid Hasan, Two dots on the trot! Hardik Pandya goes looking for the yorker, but it comes off as a low full toss. Tanzid Hasan keeps his eyes on the ball and jams it back to the bowler.

1.2: Hardik Pandya to Tanzid Hasan, Good length, angling across, in the channel. Tanzid Hasan stays back and dabs it out to backward point.

1.1: Hardik Pandya to Najmul Hossain Shanto, A length ball, around off. This one comes back in a bit. Najmul Hossain Shanto gets cramped for room here. He looks to cut it away but gets an inside edge. The ball bounces in front of him.

1.1: Hardik Pandya to Najmul Hossain Shanto, WIDE! Hardik Pandya starts his spell with a loosener. A sharp bouncer, around off, shaping away. Najmul Hossain Shanto lets it be. The umpire signals a wide due to height.

Who will bowl from the other end? With dew expected, could a spinner be brought upon? Nope. Hardik Pandya to share the new ball.

0.6: Mayank Yadav to Tanzid Hasan, Fiery delivery, on a length, from around the wicket, on middle and leg, Tanzid looks to tuck it away but is cramped for room, getting hit on the body. 5 runs and a wicket from Mayank's opener.

0.5: Mayank Yadav to Tanzid Hasan, Fuller, around off, played straight to point.

0.4: Mayank Yadav to Tanzid Hasan, FOUR! A confident shot. Fractionally short, around middle, angling away, extreme pace, Tanzid Hasan swivels, picks the length quickly and pulls it over mid-wicket.

0.3: Mayank Yadav to Tanzid Hasan, A bit shorter this time, on the pads. Tanzid Hasan hops inside the crease, closes the face and clips it to square leg.

0.2: Mayank Yadav to Najmul Hossain Shanto, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Bangladesh are off the mark. First run on the board. Mayank Yadav hurls in a length ball, on the pads. It stays a bit low. Najmul Hossain Shanto tucks it in front of square on the leg side. The batters cross for a run.

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto walks in at number 3, replacing Parvez Hossain Emon. A slight bit of a delay as Mayank gets some sawdust sprinked around the landing area and his runup.

0.1: Mayank Yadav to Parvez Hossain Emon, Okay, Bangladesh were bowling in Hyderabad but are batting in Perth. What a brute, first up! Mayank Yadav strikes on the very first delivery. It is a sharp bumper, on middle and leg. Parvez Hossain Emon winds up and tries to pull it away but is a bit early into the shot. The ball catches the top edge and lobs to the left of first slip. Riyan Parag walks to that side and takes a dolly here.

The players are back out in the middle. A new opening pair for Bangladesh strides out in Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon. India's latest sensation, pacer Mayank Yadav, will have the white cherry in his hand. Emon to pace.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

What are we looking at in this game, realistically? Already, the highest wins by India in T20Is and lowest totals by Bangladesh in this format would be checked. 273 is the biggest margin of victory in all T20Is by Nepal, while for India, it is 168 runs against New Zealand in Ahmedabad in 2023. The second case could have a better likelihood tonight. As far as Bangladesh, surely they would aim to bat better than 70 all out against New Zealand at the Eden Gardens in 2016. But above all, can we have a good game of cricket? This is all too one-sided.

Dussehra is being celebrated in the whole of India today, but it is Diwali which has come early for the home side. The term 'fearless cricket' was defined comprehensively as the batters simply batted to their potential and enjoyed their game. Whether Bangladesh bowled well or not, is another issue. But to keep backing yourself to clear the ropes and find the boundaries at will and that too, not one, but nearly the whole batting unit, means a lot of kudos needs to be given to the coach and the captain for instilling the belief. Samson started the saga, SKY just was himself but barring Abhishek Sharma, everyone enjoyed himself in the top 5. 

A difficult day for Najmul Hossain Shanto as he just kept looking at the heavens time and again, probably secretly hoping that the rain forecast comes true at some stage. He was helpless as the ball and the bowlers were cantered to all parts. Tanzim Hasan Sakib picked up 3 wickets but it was more because he got a couple at the end. Everyone else was hammered, with Mahedi Hasan's 4-0-45-0 actually being the pick of the evening!

The game started decently for the visitors with Tanzim Hasan Sakib dismissing Abhishek Sharma early. But after that, they were simply up against it. Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav just tore into the bowling and registered a mammoth 173-run stand in just 69 balls for the second wicket with Samson registering his maiden T20I ton. The tourists did manage to get rid of SKY soon but they just could not stop the bleeding of runs as the middle order came to the party.

Let's observe a minute's silence as a mourning for all the Bangladesh bowlers. They have conceded 297 runs, the highest score by a Test-playing nation and second highest overall. 22 sixes and 25 fours - that's 232 runs in 47 balls alone - meaning in the remaining 73, Bangladesh conceded 65. It is a flat deck, but the bowlers were totally flat in this game.

19.6: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rinku Singh, SIX! BANG! Rinku Singh finishes the innings in some style! India end just three runs short of 300! Tanzim Hasan Sakib looks to attack the stumps, on a fuller length, Rinku Singh clears his front leg and smashes it out of sight over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 

19.6: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rinku Singh, WIDE! Takes pace off and keeps it well wide, outside the tramline on off. 

19.5: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Washington Sundar, No hattrick for Tanzim Hasan Sakib! Lands it on a length and over off, Washington Sundar heaves it across aerially in front of deep mid-wicket for just a single. 

Aha. The equation gets slightly tougher. 11 needed from 2 now to get to 300. 2 sixes on the next 2 balls? Washington Sundar walks out to face the hattrick ball.

19.4: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Nitish Kumar Reddy, OUT! CAUGHT! Tanzim Hasan Sakib gets two-in-two and that will make them feel a bit better! Keeps it very short, over off, Nitish Kumar Reddy stands tall and looks to pull but doesn't get the needed distance and only manages to get it as far as deep square leg. Mahedi Hasan settles under and takes another simple reverse cup catch around his face. India are now 289/6 and Tanzim Hasan Sakib is on a hattrick!

This is what you practice in the nets. 3 balls left, 11 runs needed. Can India do it? Nitish Kumar Reddy walks in at number 7, replacing Hardik Pandya.

19.3: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Hardik Pandya, OUT! CAUGHT! Hardik Pandya holes out this time around. Hardik Pandya wanted to go for the helicopter shot but could not nail it. The ball is full, on off. Hardik Pandya smacks it down the park, but straight towards long off. Rishad Hossain leaps near the ropes, and takes a sharp catch over his head.

19.2: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Hardik Pandya, SIX! High and handsome. It is a short ball, wide outside off. Hardik Pandya stands tall, waits for it and smokes it over the cover fence for a biggie. This one holds high in the air, but gets enough distance on it to clear the ropes.

19.1: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Rinku Singh, Back of a length, wide of off. Rinku Singh reaches out and slaps it down to long off for one.

Big responsibility on the shoulders. On Tanzim Hasan Sakib. 3-0-51-1 so far. Probably, in all reality, the match is gone for Bangladesh. But can they stop India from reaching 300? Just 18 needed. It is not going to change anything, but just in terms of psychology.

18.6: Taskin Ahmed to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! Not where he intended, but doesn't matter for India! Full and angling into middle and leg, Hardik Pandya looks to whip it away but gets a leading edge over short third for a boundary. 

18.5: Taskin Ahmed to Rinku Singh, Gets away with the extra delivery does Taskin Ahmed! keeps it short again, over off, Rinku Singh doesn't get enough on his pull and hits it to mid-wicket for a single.

18.5: Taskin Ahmed to Rinku Singh, NO BALL! Taskin Ahmed digs it in short and over off, with some pace off it. Rinku Singh looks to pull but misses. Oh dear, Taskin Ahmed has overstepped again and a Free Hit will follow! 

Rinku Singh walks in at number 6, replacing Riyan Parag.

18.4: Taskin Ahmed to Riyan Parag, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! This time the catch is legal. Taskin Ahmed hits the deck hard, on a length, on middle and leg, Riyan Parag gets way down across the line and looks to paddle it over short fine. Only manages to get a feather on it as it goes through to the keeper Litton Das who snaffles it with ease. A strong 34 (13) from Riyan Parag and India are now 276/4!

18.3: Taskin Ahmed to Hardik Pandya, Yorker length, around off. Hardik Pandya gets it to mid-wicket off the inside edge. One taken.

18.2: Taskin Ahmed to Hardik Pandya, Taskin Ahmed nails the wide yorker this time around. Hardik Pandya waits for it and dabs it towards backward point for no runs.

18.2: Taskin Ahmed to Riyan Parag, NO BALL! Taskin Ahmed fires in a yorker-length delivery, into the pads. Parag jams into the leg side and crosses. The umpire signals a Free Hit as the bowler oversteps.

18.1: Taskin Ahmed to Riyan Parag, SIX! Just that kind of a day for Bangladesh. It is a full ball, on off. Riyan Parag picks it up nicely and lofts it down towards long on. Tanzid Hasan at long on holds on to the ball, but does not quite claim the catch. Parag is happy to walk off but is asked to wait by Tanzid who reckons that he is not sure whether he touched the ropes or not. It is referred upstairs and the third umpire has a closer look and confirms that the back leg is touching the ropes when the catch was taken. Bangladesh though they had him for a second, but the bad luck continues for them.

OUT? Or six? By the reaction of Tanzid Hasan, it seems like it is a six. Riyan Parag has skied this miles in the air and has been caught, but has the fielder touched the ropes after taking the catch? It has been referred upstairs and dear me, he sure has!

Alright. Who's the first to bowl the 19th? Captain looking for leaders. Taskin Ahmed has either put his hand up or been forced to. 3-0-36-0 so far.

17.6: Mustafizur Rahman to Hardik Pandya, SIX! HUMONGOUS! 15 runs off that! Full and at the stumps, Hardik Pandya gets underneath it and pumps it straight back over the bowler's head for a biggie. 

17.5: Mustafizur Rahman to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! A freebie and Hardik Pandya cashes in! Mustafizur Rahman serves a low full toss on the pads, Hardik Pandya clatters it with ease over backward square leg for a boundary. THIS IS NOW INDIA'S HIGHEST SCORE IN T20IS, going past 260/5 against Sri Lanka in Indore, in 2017! But they are well on track to become the first Test-playing nation to score 300 in T20Is!

17.4: Mustafizur Rahman to Riyan Parag, DROPPED! Not the easiest of chances but that could have been taken! Angling across, on a fuller length just outside off, Riyan Parag goes for a big smack down the track but doesn't quite time it right. Skies it very high in front of deep mid-wicket. Parvez Hossain Emon charges in and dives ahead but only gets a palm to it. The batters cross. 

17.3: Mustafizur Rahman to Hardik Pandya, A huge mix-up but India do not lose any wicket. Mustafizur Rahman goes very full, around off. Hardik Pandya gets a thick bottom edge on his effort, into the pads as well. The ball trickles to the right of the keeper. Meanwhile, Riyan Parag calls for a single, and is halfway through as well. Hardik Pandya is late to react and he thought he lost his wicket here, but the throw from the keeper is very poor. It goes over the bowler's head. The backup fumbles as well, which allows Pandya to get safely to the other end.

17.2: Mustafizur Rahman to Hardik Pandya, Hardik Pandya opens up his body this time and pulls this short ball into mid-wicket. They take two runs.

17.1: Mustafizur Rahman to Riyan Parag, Short ball, on middle. Riyan Parag goes for the pull shot. It catches the top edge and flies towards mid off. The ball lands safely. They take one run.

3 overs left. Will all 3 be by the pacers? Has to be, one feels, despite all the pummelling. Just too risky to give the ball to spinners at this stage. Mustafizur Rahman to bowl the first of those. 3-0-37-1 so far. Meanwhile, this is already the highest ever total conceded by Bangladesh in T20Is. Their previous worst was 224 against South Africa, in Potchefstroom, way back in 2017.

16.6: Mahedi Hasan to Hardik Pandya, A slight mixup but no damage done! Mahedi Hasan lands this on a nagging length on middle and leg, Hardik Pandya tucks it to the right of the bowler and calls for the run. Riyan Parag sets himself off but is sent back by Hardik from halfway down the track. Mahedi Hasan gets to the ball and swivels back to have a shy at the stumps at the bowling end but misses. A direct hit could have had Riyan Parag struggling.

16.5: Mahedi Hasan to Riyan Parag, Full and just outside off, Riyan Parag sweeps it off the cue end to long off for a single.

16.4: Mahedi Hasan to Riyan Parag, SIX! Nothing going right for Bangladesh! 250 comes up for India! Too full, on middle, Riyan Parag clubs it straight over long on for a biggie.

16.3: Mahedi Hasan to Riyan Parag, FOUR! Nicely played. This is floated, around the pads. Riyan Parag stays back and flicks it over square leg. The ball races away to the boundary. India 5 runs away from 250.

16.2: Mahedi Hasan to Riyan Parag, SIX! KABOOM! Riyan Parag now joins the act. It is a full toss, on middle. Parag picks it up early and smokes it over mid-wicket for a maximum.

16.1: Mahedi Hasan to Hardik Pandya, Flatter one, outside off. Hardik Pandya stays back and puhses it down to long off for a single.

Whom does Shanto turn to? Everyone has been sent flying around. His three pacers have gone for 124 in 9 overs combined. Mahedi Hasan to bowl out. 3-0-27-0 so far. Big gamble at this stage,

15.6: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Riyan Parag, Great ball! Digs it short and over off, with some pace off it. Riyan Parag looks to ramp it over but misses. 21 from the over, 112 in the last 6!

15.5: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Hardik Pandya, Keeps the ball outside off, on a good length, Hardik Pandya reaches for it and swats it to deep cover for a single. 

15.4: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! 20 runs off the first 4 balls and Hardik Pandya is off to a rollicking start! On a fuller length, on middle and leg, Hardik Pandya looks to drag it across the line. Doesn't quite get the timing right but gets more than enough to pierce the gap at deep mid-wicket for four more runs. 

15.3: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Hardik Pandya, SIX! Hardik Pandya now dealing in sixes. He couldn't have picked it any better. Tanzim Hasan Sakib fires it full, in the blockhole, around off. Hardik Pandya shuffles a bit and smokes it over mid off. It goes all the way.

15.2: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Hardik Pandya, SIX! Tanzim Hasan Sakib misses his line altogether. He goes for the yorker, but it comes off as a full toss. Hardik Pandya gets a hold of it and tonks it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

15.1: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! Nicely played. It is a short ball, on the bodyline. Hardik Pandya swivels on his back foot and pulls it towards deep square leg. It races away to the boundary. 

14.6: Mahmudullah to Riyan Parag, SIX! Launches it into the stands with a clean strike! Too full from Mahmudullah, on middle and off, right in the arc, Riyan Parag gets under the ball and pummels it over long on for a huge six.

14.5: Mahmudullah to Hardik Pandya, Short and on off, Hardik Pandya slaps it to long off for a single and gets off the mark. 

14.4: Mahmudullah to Hardik Pandya, Makes his intentions clear right from the outset does Pandya! This is short and angling in on leg, Hardik Pandya swivels and looks for a hoist across the line but misses and wears it onto his thigh pad.

Hardik Pandya walks in at number 5, replacing his skipper, Suryakumar Yadav.

14.3: Mahmudullah to Suryakumar Yadav, OUT! CAUGHT! The veteran strikes in his final game. A bit of flight, outside off, slower through the air and making the ball to go away from the batter slightly. This means that Suryakumar Yadav has to fetch it and play against the angle, as he attempts the slog sweep. Still, he connects well but cannot quite find the gap or elevation to clear deep mid-wicket. It is the longest part of the boundary and Rishad Hossain takes it comfortably near the ropes. SKY departs for a magnificent 75 (35) and Bangladesh manage to pick 2/10 in 6 balls.

14.2: Mahmudullah to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! SMOKED! A touch short, on middle, Suryakumar Yadav gets down on a knee quickly and pulls it over short fine leg. The Samson show being done, time now for the Surya show.

14.1: Mahmudullah to Riyan Parag, Mahmudullah is back on. Begins his second over with a quick, short ball, outside off, Riyan Parag stands tall and just whips this down to long on for a single.

13.6: Mustafizur Rahman to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! Suryakumar Yadav continues to charge through! Mustafizur Rahman goes full and on off, Suryakumar Yadav gets his front leg out and whips it straight past the bowler for a boundary. 200 UP FOR INDIA and there are still 6 overs left!

13.5: Mustafizur Rahman to Riyan Parag, Short and on middle, pace off, Riyan Parag is almost deceived by it as he chops it over the bowler for a single.

Who walks in now? Who should? Reddy, Rinku, Hardik, Parag? It is Riyan Parag who has walked out at number 4, replacing Sanju Samson.

13.4: Mustafizur Rahman to Sanju Samson, OUT! CAUGHT! The bowling change finally brings a much-needed sigh of relief to the Bangladesh team. Sanju Samson has to walk back after what has been a spectacular exhibition of power-hitting and exquisite timing! Mustafizur Rahman digs it in short and rolls his fingers over the ball, taking some pace off it, on middle and off. The ball sticks to the surface a bit and Sanju Samson goes through his pull shot a bit too early. He hits it off the lower end of the bat and straight to Mahedi Hasan at deep square leg who comes in a bit and collects a simple catch. The 173-run stand is finally broken and India are 196/2!

13.3: Mustafizur Rahman to Suryakumar Yadav, Very full, outside off, Suryakumar Yadav reaches out to drive but the ball hits the toe end of his bat and goes down to long off. A run taken.

13.2: Mustafizur Rahman to Sanju Samson, Dropped short, around middle, at a good height, Samson pulls it behind square leg for a single.

13.1: Mustafizur Rahman to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Mustafizur Rahman returns and has been dispatched. Low full toss, on the pads, Sanju Samson brings his bottom hand into play and just wrists it through mid-wicket. What power! The stand moves to 170 (67).

12.6: Mahedi Hasan to Sanju Samson, Fires it full again, on middle and leg, Sanju Samson jams it out to long on for a single. 11 runs come off that over.

12.5: Mahedi Hasan to Suryakumar Yadav, Spears it full and on leg, Suryakumar Yadav digs it out off the inside half of the bat and squeezes it through his legs behind the keeper to his left for a single. 

12.4: Mahedi Hasan to Sanju Samson, Follows up with a better delivery, full and at the stumps, Sanju Samson makes room and drives it to deep cover for a single. 

12.3: Mahedi Hasan to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Fuller, around off, Sanju Samson gets down and slogs it over mid-wicket, just beating the fielder running to his left.

12.2: Mahedi Hasan to Sanju Samson, Around middle, a touch quicker, Samson looks to pull but misses and is hit on the pads.

12.1: Mahedi Hasan to Sanju Samson, FOUR! MAIDEN T20I CENTURY! Finally, Kerala and Sanju fans can rejoice. The Samson that the whole country has been waiting for, has arrived in international cricket. A century in 40 balls. Possibility of a double hundred? You never know! Tossed up, around off, Sanju Samson swings this straight back over the sightscreen! Shows off his biceps as a part of his celebration.

11.6: Taskin Ahmed to Suryakumar Yadav, Great end to the over but 13 runs still come off it and India will be happier! Taskin Ahmed angles across a full toss, outside off. Suryakumar Yadav wasn't expecting it and misses to make any connection playing it away from the body. 

11.5: Taskin Ahmed to Sanju Samson, Attempts a yorker, but ends up serving a low full toss, outside off, Sanju Samson whips it away to deep cover for a single. 

11.4: Taskin Ahmed to Sanju Samson, Great delivery! Sees the batter make room and fires it right in the blockhole, just outside off away from Samson's reach. A rare ball that doesn't connect for Sanju Samson!

11.3: Taskin Ahmed to Suryakumar Yadav, Outside off, this time he connects, slicing it over point for a single.

11.2: Taskin Ahmed to Suryakumar Yadav, Another low full toss outside off, SKY reaches out to drive but misses.

11.1: Taskin Ahmed to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! Punishment on the Free Hit. 150-RUN STAND IS UP! Low full toss, ouside off, Suryakumar Yadav leans and carves it over deep point!

11.1: Taskin Ahmed to Suryakumar Yadav, FIVE NO BALLS! Oh dear. Things going from bad to worse. A high full toss as the ball slips out of Taskin's hand. Surya manages to avoid getting hurt and the ball escapes the bat and the keeper, to the fine leg fence.

10.6: Mahmudullah to Sanju Samson, Sees the batter make room and fires it in, closer, on leg, Sanju Samson punches it to the left of deep cover for a couple of runs. Parvez Hossain Emon is quick across the turf and mops it up nicely in front of the rope. 

10.5: Mahmudullah to Suryakumar Yadav, Immediately pulls the length back and keeps it on off, Suryakumar Yadav slaps it to long off for a single. 

10.4: Mahmudullah to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! Crushes it out over the ropes! Too full from, Mahmudullah, on leg, Suryakumar Yadav clears his front leg out and clobbers it over mid-wicket for a biggie. 

10.4: Mahmudullah to Suryakumar Yadav, WIDE! Mahmudullah slips this well outside the tramline on off, Suryakumar Yadav leaves it alone.

10.3: Mahmudullah to Suryakumar Yadav, 23-BALL 50 FOR SURYAKUMAR YADAV! Number 21 in this format for the Indian skipper. A touch short, around middle, Surya goes back and works it to the right of long on and scurries back for the second. What an exhibition this has been, from both players.

10.2: Mahmudullah to Sanju Samson, A touch short, around middle, punched down to long on for a run.

10.1: Mahmudullah to Suryakumar Yadav, Mahmudullah, in his final game, to bowl now. Starts with a full ball on middle, Suryakumar Yadav sweeps it behind square leg for a single. The stand moves to 130 from 48 balls.

9.6: Rishad Hossain to Sanju Samson, SIX! Sanju Samson moves to 92. 30 runs coming from this over, and every single time Sanju Samson got bat on ball, it went flying into the stands. Short ball, around middle and leg. Sanju Samson opens up his body and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

9.5: Rishad Hossain to Sanju Samson, SIX! THIS ONE GOES EVEN LONGER! FOURTH MAXIMUM ON THE TROT! This is slower through the air, full and on middle. Sanju Samson clears his front leg and tonks it over the long on fence for a maximum.

9.4: Rishad Hossain to Sanju Samson, SIX! THIS IS JUST SENSATIONAL! Rishad Hossain goes full, around off. Sanju Samson picks it up early and smokes it over the bowler's head for a maximum. Third one on the trot.

9.3: Rishad Hossain to Sanju Samson, SIX! Rinse and repeat. Full again, slightly wider outside off. Samson leans and dispatches this over long off this time.

9.2: Rishad Hossain to Sanju Samson, SIX! SMASH! Floated, outside off, Sanju Samson comes forward and lofts it straight back over the bowler, over the sightscreen! 100-RUN STAND UP IN 43 BALLS!

9.1: Rishad Hossain to Sanju Samson, Misses out. Tossed up, outside off, Samson goes for the big shot but misses.

8.6: Mahedi Hasan to Sanju Samson, Pitched up, wide of off. Sanju Samson pushes it down the park for one. A solid finish to the over by Mahedi Hasan.

8.5: Mahedi Hasan to Suryakumar Yadav, It is looped up, full and on off. Suryakumar Yadav gets low and drags his sweep towards deep mid-wicket for just one.

8.4: Mahedi Hasan to Sanju Samson, Short ball, on the fifth stump line. Samson pushes it into covers for one.

Meanwhile, shifting focus slightly to the Eves, Bangladesh ain't doing better there either. Choosing to bat first in an important T20 World Cup match against South Africa, Bangladesh are 8/1 after 4 overs, going nowhere. In Hyderabad, they are travelling everywhere while in Dubai, they have been stalled. Aha. Electricity has been restored. Back to India.

Oh dear. One of the light towers has suddenly become dysfunctional. All the light bulbs have gone off and we are forced into a stoppage. In a way, it might be better for Bangladesh, as it gives them some time to stop and think. If they continue to just go through the motions, this Indian batting lineup might well target 300 tonight. The pitch seems to be as flat as a pancake and the Indians are just baking the bowlers and then frying them out. Everyone has been given a tour of Hyderabad with the exception of Mahedi Hasan, who has just about managed to stave off some respect. 

8.3: Mahedi Hasan to Suryakumar Yadav, Fuller, outside off, Yadav gets down and sweeps it behind square leg for a run.

8.2: Mahedi Hasan to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! STUPENDOUS! Tossed up, outside off, Suryakumar Yadav gets down on a knee and mows the slog sweep, to the longer part of the ground. That's why perhaps, the ball didn't go all the way, just bounced in front of the ropes.

8.1: Mahedi Hasan to Sanju Samson, Mahedi Hasan is back on now. Starts with a short ball, outside off, gets it to move away off the deck, probably a carrom ball. Sanju Samson rocks back and slaps a pull down to long off for a single. Moves to 60 (27).

7.6: Mustafizur Rahman to Sanju Samson, BYE! A slower bumper, on middle. Sanju Samson leans back and tries to ramp it away but fails to gets any bat on it. The wicket-keeper fumbles which allows the batter to collect a bye.

7.6: Mustafizur Rahman to Sanju Samson, WIDE! The umpire now extends his arms. It is fuller, down the leg side. Samson looks to clip it away but misses. Wide called.

7.5: Mustafizur Rahman to Sanju Samson, SIX! Incredible hit. Sanju Samson goes inside out this time and sends it sailing over the ropes. Whatever he is touching is turning into gold here. Good length, angling across, outside off. Sanju Samson stays on his back foot and smokes it over extra covers. It goes all the way.

7.4: Mustafizur Rahman to Suryakumar Yadav, A length ball, wide of off. Yadav slaps it through point for a single.

7.3: Mustafizur Rahman to Sanju Samson, Another slower ball, on the shorter side, Sanju Samson pulls it down to long on for a run.

7.2: Mustafizur Rahman to Suryakumar Yadav, Better length, nearly a yorker, outside off, Yadav dabs it towards cover for a single. The stand moves to 80 from 31 balls.

7.1: Mustafizur Rahman to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! A bit too predictable. Suryakumar Yadav knows that the slower one is coming and is ready. Gets it right in the slot, outside off, waits for it to arrive and carves it over cover. Moves to 40 (16). 100 UP FOR INDIA IN 7.1 OVERS!

6.6: Rishad Hossain to Suryakumar Yadav, Rishad Hossain will be happy with the way he ended his over, a good comeback from him. Although, the scorecard is a scary looking one for Bangladesh. Length, around middle and leg. Suryakumar Yadav goes back and pushes it towards mid on. They take a single. 

6.5: Rishad Hossain to Suryakumar Yadav, It is short once again, width on offer for Suryakumar Yadav. He waits for it and goes for the cut, but does not time it at all. He only manages to find the fielder at backward point.

6.4: Rishad Hossain to Sanju Samson, Shorter, around off, turning away off the deck. Sanju Samson waits for it and dabs it towards point. They cross for one.

6.3: Rishad Hossain to Sanju Samson, SIX! Just over! 22-BALL FIFTY FOR SAMSON, THE FASTEST BY AN INDIAN AGAINST BANGLADESH IN T20IS! A sparkling knock for sure. Fuller, outside off, Sanju Samson leans in this time. Gets into the shot, reaches the pitch and lofts it inside out over cover. Long off is pretty wide, to his left and for a second, it seems like it is going straight to him. But it is just above his leap. The stand is worth 73 (26).

6.2: Rishad Hossain to Sanju Samson, FOUR MORE! Bangladesh are already looking down and out. Another half tracker, around off, Samson goes back and pulls it over mid-wicket.

Will Rishad be able to stem the run flow?

6.1: Rishad Hossain to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Welcome into the attack. Short, outside off, Sanju Samson stays back, picks the length in a trice and goes inside out, on the back foot, over cover. Moves to 41 (20) and the stand is worth 63 (24).

5.6: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! WHAT A HIT! Suryakumar Yadav moves to 35 now. Tanzim Hasan Sakib with a half-tracker, on off. Suryakumar Yadav gets a hold of it and bludgeons it over the mid-wicket fence. It goes straight into the stands.

5.5: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! Make it three on the trot. Suryakumar Yadav making sure that he makes the most of the Powerplay. It is full, on the pads. Suryakumar Yadav reads it quickly and flicks it into mid-wicket. It goes along the ground and races away to the boundary.

5.4: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries for SKY! Tanzim Hasan Sakib with a good-length ball, around middle, nips in a bit. Suryakumar Yadav stands tall, gets under it and smacks it over mid-wicket. The ball takes a bounce and heads into the ropes.

5.3: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! Up and over! On a length, around off, Suryakumar Yadav comes forward and lofts it on the up, over mid on.

5.2: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Sanju Samson, Oohhh.. goes for the inswinging yorker, but ends up bowling a full toss, down the leg side. Sanju Samson looks to flick but plays it early and gets a leading edge towards mid off. The batters take a quick single and there is a direct hit at the striker's end, but Suryakumar Yadav is well in. The ball deflects wide of the backup fielder at square leg but SKY declines the overthrow.

5.1: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Sanju Samson, Slower ball, on a good length, outside off, Sanju Samson pushes it towards cover.

4.6: Taskin Ahmed to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! This is even better. Suryakumar Yadav making sure the momentum remains with them. It is short, on the bodyline. Suryakumar Yadav swivels and smokes it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

4.5: Taskin Ahmed to Sanju Samson, Full ball, on the pads. Samson tucks it into the leg side for one.

4.4: Taskin Ahmed to Sanju Samson, FOUR! What a shot. Short ball, angled into the body. Sanju Samson exposes all his stumps and pulls it powerfully over mid-wicket for a boundary.

4.3: Taskin Ahmed to Suryakumar Yadav, A length ball, sliding down leg. Yadav leaves it alone. The ball brushes the pads and rolls out. The batters are quick to pick up a leg bye.

4.2: Taskin Ahmed to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR LEG BYES! The runs continue to flow for India. Taskin Ahmed serves a full ball into the pads. Suryakumar Yadav tries to flick it away but misses. The ball brushes the pads and runs down to the fine leg fence for a boundary. 50 UP FOR INDIA IN 4.2 OVERS!

4.1: Taskin Ahmed to Suryakumar Yadav, Back of a length, outside off. Yadav dabs it towards short third but for no run.

3.6: Mustafizur Rahman to Suryakumar Yadav, Slower and shorter, on leg. This one bounces a bit extra than what Suryakumar Yadav expected. He fends it out off the top half of his blade. The ball trickles into the leg side. The batters cross for a quick single.

3.5: Mustafizur Rahman to Sanju Samson, Full ball, on the pads. Samson stays back and flicks it behind square on the leg side for one.

3.4: Mustafizur Rahman to Sanju Samson, SIX! BANG! This is outstanding batting. Sanju Samson couldn't have hit it any better. Mustafizur Rahman once again rolls his fingers over the ball and pitches it up, on off. Samson steps out of the crease, gets under it and smokes it down the park for a biggie.

3.3: Mustafizur Rahman to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Sanju Samson gets a hold of this one. It is very full, outside off. Mustafizur Rahman follows the batter outside leg. Sanju Samson creates some room and whips it over mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.

3.2: Mustafizur Rahman to Sanju Samson, A bit short, but hardly any pace on offer. Sanju Samson mistimes his pull towards mid on.

3.1: Mustafizur Rahman to Sanju Samson, Mustafizur Rahman starts with a slower one, on a good-length, angling across, outside off. Sanju Samson looks to punch it away off his back foot, but gets no bat on it.

Fourth bowler in as many overs! Mustafizur Rahman is introduced into the attack now. 

2.6: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! One bounce and into the ropes. Tanzim Hasan Sakib started this over with a wicket, but could not really control the run flow. This is full, tailing into the pads. Suryakumar Yadav picks up nicely and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep rushes to his left but could not get there in time.

A slight halt in play as one of the bails seems to have stopped working. The fourth umpire sprints in with a replacement bail. We are now good to resume!

2.5: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Suryakumar Yadav, Full ball, around off. Yadav comes forward and eases it to mid on but finds the fielder.

2.4: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! This one flies over the keeper's head. It is a sharp bumper, on middle. Suryakumar Yadav picks up early, goes for the hook. The ball catches the outside edge and flies down to deep third for a huge six.

2.3: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Sanju Samson, Fuller, on middle. Sanju Samson gets it to square leg off the inside edge. They take a single.

2.2: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Suryakumar Yadav, Waste of a review here. It is very full, angled into the pads. Suryakumar Yadav tries to flick it away but misses. He gets pinged on the boots of his back leg. Tanzim Hasan Sakib appeals but the umpire shows no interest. The ball goes to square leg off the pads. The batters cross for a leg bye in the process. The Ball Tracking confirms that the ball is pitching outside the leg stump line.

Is that out? Tanzim Hasan Sakib has convinced the skipper for a referral on the LBW appeal given Not out by the onfield umpire. It looked to be going down leg to the naked eye, and the replay confirms just that! Bangladesh burn a review!

The Indian skipper, Suryakumar Yadav makes his way out to the middle at number 3!

2.1: Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Abhishek Sharma, OUT! CAUGHT! Tanzim Hasan Sakib comes into the attack and strikes instantly. A much-needed breakthrough for Bangladesh. They needed to kill the momentum for India, after Samson struck four boundaries on the trot, and the visitors couldn't have asked for any better than a wicket. It is a short ball, around middle and leg. This one climbs on the batter. Abhishek Sharma is cramped for room as well, but he still goes for the wild heave across the line. The ball catches the top half and balloons to the right of covers. Mahedi Hasan moves to his right, and takes a sharp catch diving forward.

1.6: Taskin Ahmed to Sanju Samson, FOUR! This is sublime from Sanju Samson and India are not just up and running, they are stomping. Taskin Ahmed serves this into the pads, on a length, asking to be hit. Sanju Samson obliges and flicks it square of the wicket on the leg side for another boundary. 16 from Taskin's opener!

1.5: Taskin Ahmed to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Easy picking! Taskin Ahmed overcompensates and angles it into the pads, on a length, Sanju Samson flicks it through mid-wicket for the third consecutive boundary. 

1.4: Taskin Ahmed to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Make that two in a row! This is even better than the previous one! Taskin Ahmed pulls the length down a bit and attacks the stumps, Sanju Samson yet again, makes room and with deft hands, times the punch through covers for another boundary.  16 from Taskin's opener!

1.3: Taskin Ahmed to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Beautiful shot! Too full and at the stumps, Sanju Samson backs away and carves it perfectly through the gap at covers for boundary. 

1.2: Taskin Ahmed to Sanju Samson, Continues to keep it tight, on middle and off, on a length, Sanju Samson opens the bat face and steers it to cover. 

1.1: Taskin Ahmed to Sanju Samson, Steams from over the wicket and hurls it right on the money! On a hard length and at the stumps! Sanju Samson gets his bat ahead and taps it to mid off. 

Pace from the other end. Taskin Ahmed comes into the attack to share the new ball.

0.6: Mahedi Hasan to Abhishek Sharma, Fires it in, with the angle, on leg, Abhishek Sharma sets himself for a big swipe across the line but misses onto his thigh. A stifled appeal from the bowler alone. Good start from India! 7 runs come off the first over. 

0.5: Mahedi Hasan to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! No sighters needed! Tossed up on off, Abhishek Sharma skips down the track and lofts it over covers for the first boundary of the game. 

0.4: Mahedi Hasan to Abhishek Sharma, Full and on off, Abhishek Sharma firms his drive straight to the fielder at cover.

0.3: Mahedi Hasan to Sanju Samson, Fuller this time, on off, Sanju Samson drives it neatly to deep cover for a single. A huge roar across the stadium as Abhishek Sharma gets on strike.

0.2: Mahedi Hasan to Sanju Samson, Short again, over middle, Sanju Samson is quick to shuffle his weight back and pulls it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Sanju Samson and India up and running!

0.1: Mahedi Hasan to Sanju Samson, Starts from over the wicket and lands it a tad shorter in length, on middle and leg, Sanju Samson hops back and tucks it off his pads to mid-wicket.

The match is set to begin. The Bangladesh players stride out and take the field. Followed by Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson who walk out to open for India. It is going to be Mahedi Hasan who gets the new ball in hand. Here we go...

Najmul Hossain Shanto is up for a chat. He reveals that they have made two changes, with Mehidy Hasan and Jaker Ali missing out. He emphasizes the importance of the batting group taking responsibility and mentions that they have a solid plan for this game, hoping to execute it flawlessly.

Suryakumar Yadav, the skipper of India says it looks like a good wicket and in the last game as well they wanted to bat first and challenge themselves. Adds that the talk in the group is to continue doing well which will help them just get better and not be complacent. Talks about giving the freedom to the players to go out and express themselves. Concludes that they have one change with Arshdeep missing out and Ravi Bishnoi coming in.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (WK), Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Tanzid Hasan (In for Jaker Ali), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan (In for Mehidy Hasan), Mustafizur Rahman and Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

India (Playing XI) - Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi (In for Arshdeep Singh) and Mayank Yadav.

TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of India. Suryakumar Yadav informs that they will BAT first.