India secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first T20I, played at the newly constructed Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior on October 6. The match marked the return of international cricket to the city after a 14-year hiatus.
India cracks whip on Bangladesh for 7-wicket win in T20I series opener
Tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav lived up to the expectation as he made a strong debut for the Indian team. Meanwhile, wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthy (3/31) also played a crucial role in the match, making a successful comeback to the Indian T20I squad. His bowling skills coupled with Arshdeep Singh's (3/14) mastery helped restrict Bangladesh to a low total of 127 runs.
Too many stars in India's victory
India's batting lineup showcased their power and finesse, with Suryakumar Yadav (29 off 14), Sanju Samson (29 off 19), and Hardik Pandya (39 off 16 & 1/26) all making valuable contributions. Their quick cameos ensured that India chased down the target with ease, winning the match in just 11.5 overs.
Mayank Yadav shines on debut, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy dazzle with three-fers
22-year-old Mayank Yadav made a strong debut in the India vs Bangladesh T20I match. Despite concerns about his fitness, Yadav showcased his pace and accuracy, bowling consistently above 140 kmph. His ability to extract pace and movement was evident throughout his spell. Mayank showcased his impressive pace right from the start, finishing his opening spell with figures of 2-1-3-1. Concerns had been raised about his long-term fitness due to a side strain, but he quickly alleviated those doubts, clocking speeds of 145.7 kmph and 148.7 kmph in his first two overs. Veteran Mahmudullah, wary of Mayank's pace, became his first international wicket, slicing a catch to Washington Sundar at deep point.
Returning to the team after nearly three years, Varun Chakaravarthy (3/31) posed a significant challenge for the Bangladeshi batters, who struggled to read his deliveries. His standout moment came when he bowled Jaker Ali with a sharply turning ball. Although he conceded 15 runs in his opening over, Varun quickly regained his composure by dismissing Towhid Hridoy (12), further destabilizing Bangladesh’s innings and proving his value to the team.
Bangladesh batters no match to India's star-studded bowling line-up
Bangladesh found themselves in a state of bother when their scoreboard read 64/5 after 10 overs. India seized the opportunity, with Mayank returning to bowl the 13th and 19th overs. During these overs, the Bangladeshi batters managed to find some boundaries off his pace. However, Mayank finished strong, delivering a couple of well-placed yorkers that showcased his skill.
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh (3/14) was instrumental in India’s success as well. He dismissed openers Litton Das and Parvez Hossain Emon during the powerplay and later claimed his third wicket to close out Bangladesh’s innings. Hardik Pandya, alongside Arshdeep, opened the bowling for India, setting the tone for a dominant performance. In the end, it was all upto star-studded Indian batters and they did exactly what was expected of them, belted Bangladesh bowlers left, right and centre to clinch an easy victory.
With this India have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. Both the teams will be up against each other again, in the second T20I slated to be played on October 9.
