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India outplayed Bangladesh in the first T20I of the three-match series on Sunday in Gwalior, where the visitors struggled in all departments.
With this defeat, Bangladesh have now lost three consecutive matches on their current tour— first two defeats in two Tests, and now in the first T20I.
After being sent in to bat, Bangladesh managed to post 127 all out in 19.5 overs. In response, India comfortably chased down the target in 11.5 overs, with Hardik Pandya remaining unbeaten on 39 off just 16 balls.
India started strong with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, both scoring at strike rates over 150. Abhishek was run out for 16, but Sanju kept the score moving, finishing with 29 off 19 balls. Captain Suryakumar Yadav also scored at a strike rate above 200, making the small target even easier to chase than it appeared.
Bangladesh’s total failed to challenge India’s batting lineup, as they lacked the firepower to apply any real pressure, UNB reports.
Earlier, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, returning to T20Is after more than 14 months, was Bangladesh's top scorer with 35 runs. The other batters struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack.
India won the toss and opted to field on a fresh pitch at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, which hosted its first international match.
Bangladesh lost openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Litton Das within the first three overs. Although they managed to avoid further losses during the powerplay, runs were hard to come by.
Litton was the first to go after a missed shot that resulted in an easy catch for Rinku Singh. Towhid Hridoy, known for his power-hitting, contributed only 12 runs from 18 balls.
Middle-order batters Mahmudullah Riyad and Jaker Ali also struggled. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who stayed at the crease for 25 balls, could only muster 27 runs and appeared uneasy against the Indian bowlers.
Rishad Hossain briefly lifted hopes with a six and a four but departed soon after, scoring 11 off five balls.
Arshdeep Singh led India’s bowling with three wickets for just 14 runs in 3.5 overs. Varun Chakravarthy, playing his first T20I since the 2021 T20 World Cup, also claimed three wickets in a strong return to the team. The bowlers set the stage for a win for the hosts.
With this victory, India take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The second and third matches will be played on October 9 and 12 in Delhi and Hyderabad.