In a dominant display, India cruised to a comprehensive 7-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first T20I at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a modest target of 128, Hardik Pandya finished the game in style with a powerful six, reminiscent of former Indian captain MS Dhoni’s iconic match-winning shots.

Hardik Pandya finishes off in style

India’s chase was clinical from the outset. Despite losing opener Abhishek Sharma early, Sanju Samson and skipper Suryakumar Yadav steadied the ship with a 40-run partnership for the second wicket. Suryakumar, known for his unorthodox strokeplay, played a quickfire innings of 29 off 14 balls, finding the gaps with ease and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Bangladesh tried to fight back when Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck, dismissing Samson (29 off 19), but Nitish Kumar Reddy and Hardik Pandya took control of the chase. Vice-captain Pandya, leading from the front, anchored the innings with a composed 39 not out off 16 balls. The all-rounder displayed his trademark power-hitting as he took India closer to the target.

In the 12th over, with just a few runs needed, Taskin Ahmed bowled a short ball to Pandya, who unleashed a thunderous pull shot over cow corner for six, sealing the victory with 49 balls to spare. His reminiscent of Dhoni’s finishing style had the crowd roaring in approval.

Here’s the video:

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India bowls out Bangladesh for a paltry 127

Earlier, Bangladesh struggled to find momentum with the bat after winning the toss and electing to bat first. They managed a total of just 127 in 19.5 overs, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz top-scoring with an unbeaten 35 off 32 balls. The Indian bowlers were exceptional, led by Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy, who took 3 wickets each. Arshdeep’s precise yorkers and Varun’s clever variations proved too much for the Bangladeshi batters, who failed to build substantial partnerships.

India’s fielding was sharp, ensuring Bangladesh never gained control of the innings. Despite some late hitting from Mehidy, Bangladesh’s total was below par on a pitch that offered assistance to the bowlers early on but eased out later in the match.

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