India’s young team dominated Bangladesh to win the first T20I of the three-match series by seven wickets. With two debutants and only three players from their T20 World Cup-winning squad, India outperformed an experienced Bangladesh side. Arshdeep Singh (3 for 14) and Varun Chakravarthy (3 for 31) led India’s bowling, restricting Bangladesh to 127. Arshdeep struck early, removing Litton Das in the first over and Parvez Hossain soon after. Mayank Yadav, making his debut, also impressed, bowling a maiden in his first over and claiming Mahmudullah’s wicket.
Varun’s return to the team after three years added mystery to India’s attack. He troubled Bangladesh’s middle order, dismissing Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah. Washington Sundar chipped in by taking captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s wicket, caught and bowled. Bangladesh struggled throughout their innings, with no significant partnerships. Mehidy Hasan Miraz top-scored with 35 but couldn’t provide the needed momentum. Arshdeep finished Bangladesh’s innings with a yorker, leaving India with an easy target of 128.
India chased the target aggressively, finishing the game in just 11.5 overs. Sanju Samson, opening in place of Yashasvi Jaiswal, got India off to a quick start with two boundaries. Abhishek Sharma followed with a six and two fours before running himself out. Suryakumar Yadav and Samson continued the onslaught, adding to India’s best powerplay score of 71 against Bangladesh in T20Is. Hardik Pandya sealed the win with a quickfire 39 off 16 balls, including a stylish no-look ramp over the keeper’s head. India’s comprehensive win gave them a 1-0 series lead.
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