Team India (Photo Source: BCCI)
India put in an all-round display to clinch the second T20I against Bangladesh by 86 runs in Delhi. With this victory, they took an unassailable lead going into the third game on Saturday, October 12.
It was a blazing performance from the batters after the openers as well as Suryakumar Yadav were dismissed by the end of the powerplay. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh smashed their way to half-centuries as blitzes by Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag at the fag end of the innings motored India to a score of 221/9. Taskin Ahmed, who was taken to the cleaners in the first game, returned as Bangladesh’s most frugal bowler with 2/16 in his four-over spell.
As for the run-chase, none of the top-order batters could cash in as Bangladesh experienced a similar phase of play as India after the first six overs. However, it was what occurred after the powerplay which was the stark difference between the two sides. Bangladesh could never really build any concrete partnerships as batters came and went with India never letting their foot off the gas. Playing his final T20I series, Mahmudullah hung around for a while for his 41 but could never get going as the hosts secured a convincing victory in the end.
Also Read – Watch: Nitish Kumar Reddy hits consecutive sixes against Rishad Hossain, hits maiden half century
Indian openers fail to capitalize (once again)
Much like the first T20I, this game also saw Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma depart after a flurry of boundaries. On a flat track where the ball was traveling off the bat, both of them fluffed their chance to get through the powerplay and score big runs.
Reddy tears into Mehidy Hasan Miraz
The batting all-rounder was far from being done after registering his maiden international half-century. His most vibrant fireworks were on show in the 13th over of the Indian innings as a drilling boundary was encircled by three humongous maximums.
Truly a collective bowling effort by the hosts
A total of seven bowlers were used by India. All seven of them were in the wickets column with Varun Chakravarthy and Reddy being the only two bowlers to dismiss more than one batter, impressing one and all with his bowling yet again.
Losing skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto
I think we made the same mistakes (like the first game), not a good thing as a team. We need to improve. I think it was a good decision (to bowl). They batted well after the first 6-7 overs, but we didn’t execute our plans. Need to take responsibilites as batters. We have to believe in ourselves.
Winning skipper, Suryakumar Yadav
I wanted that situation, wanted my batters (5,6,7) in that situation. Happy for both (Rinku and Nitish) of them. They batted exactly the way I wanted. You got to go out there and express. Just the jersey changes, the rest remaining remains the same. I wanted to see what different bowlers can do in different situations.
Player of the Match, Nitish Kumar Reddy
Feels great to represent India, feel so proud about this moment. Grateful for everything. I should give credit to the captain and coach. They gave me the license. I took my time, and after that no-ball, everything went in my favor. It feels great, playing for the Indian team. I want to continue in this same way.