With a commanding 50-run victory in their second Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup on Saturday, India all but guaranteed themselves a spot in the quarterfinals. Hardik Pandya put on an all-around display, while Kuldeep Yadav used his cunning to evade Bangladesh’s batsmen.
Before Shivam Dube (34 off 24) and Hardik (50 not out off 27) helped India to 196 for five, the biggest total at this venue to date, star batsman Virat Kohli (37 off 28) found much-needed rhythm. Bangladesh lost the Super 8s for the second time in a row, finishing at 146/8 in 20 overs after being unable to mount a serious fight against India in the demanding run chase.
Kuldeep (3/19), who had his opportunity during the Caribbean phase of the competition, used the googly and stock ball with such effectiveness that the Bangladeshi batters seemed completely lost. As usual, Bumrah (2/13 in four) made a stingy effort.
Najmul Shanto, the captain of Bangladesh (40 off 32), had some aggressive moments, including two sixes over a great leg off Hardik, but the batsmen once again failed to provide assistance for the team. The very next ball, Litton Das (13 off 10) had Hardik caught at deep square leg after the all-rounder had pushed him sharply for a six over deep mid-wicket.
After being 76 for three in the 12th over, Bangladesh could only delay the inevitable. India will meet their match in Australia, the two unbeaten teams so far, in their final Super 8 fixture in St Lucia on Monday.
