In an exhilarating showdown on Saturday night, India triumphed over Bangladesh by 133 runs in the 3rd T20I, completing a clean sweep of the series. This match not only showcased the prowess of the Indian cricket team but also etched new records in the annals of T20 cricket.
Record-Breaking Performance by Sanju Samson
The spotlight of the match shone brightly on Sanju Samson, who delivered a sensational performance, scoring 111 runs off just 47 balls. This remarkable innings made him the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a century in T20 internationals, and it was the fastest half-century against Bangladesh, achieved in a mere 21 deliveries. Samson’s aggressive batting, featuring 11 boundaries and 8 sixes, propelled India to an unprecedented total of 297 runs, marking the highest score ever by a full ICC member nation in T20 cricket.
A Strong Start for Team India
Winning the toss, skipper Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. Although India faced an early challenge with opener Abhishek Sharma dismissed for just 4 runs, Samson quickly turned the momentum. Alongside Yadav, who scored a blistering 75 runs from 35 deliveries, they established a formidable partnership that set the tone for the innings.
Following Samson’s exit, the Indian middle order, featuring the likes of Riyan Parag, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh, continued to dominate, propelling the total to 297 runs in their allotted 20 overs. This feat not only highlighted India’s batting depth but also solidified their reputation in T20 cricket.
Bangladesh’s Struggle Against the Indian Bowling Attack
Chasing a daunting target, Bangladesh found themselves on the back foot from the start. Indian pacer Mayank Yadav made an immediate impact, claiming a wicket on his very first delivery by dismissing Parvez Hossain Emon. Despite efforts from Litton Das (42) and Towhid Hridoy (63), who formed a brief counter-attack, Bangladesh struggled to keep up with the required run rate and eventually fell short of India’s mammoth total.
The Indian bowlers showcased their skills, with Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi taking crucial wickets to dismantle the Bangladesh batting lineup. The visitors could only muster 164 runs, resulting in a comfortable victory for India.
Historical Significance of the Match
This match is not just a win in the record books; it is a monumental achievement for Indian cricket. With a total of 297 runs, India has set the record for the highest score by a full ICC member nation, second only to Nepal’s 313/3 against Mongolia in the previous Asia Cup. Additionally, the Men in Blue have now surpassed the previous record for the most 200-plus totals in men’s T20 cricket, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the format.
Conclusion
The 3rd T20I between India and Bangladesh was a thrilling display of cricketing talent, with Sanju Samson’s historic century leading the charge. As India celebrates this resounding victory and series sweep, cricket fans are left eagerly anticipating what the future holds for this dynamic Indian team. With records broken and new heights reached, one thing is clear: Indian cricket is on a remarkable upward trajectory.
