Image Source: BCCI
[Saba Sports News] Bangladesh fielded a more familiar lineup in the first T20I of the series, their first game in the format since the 2024 T20 World Cup.
India, on the other hand, handed out a couple of debuts at a venue making its international debut. India won the toss and opted to bowl.
Arshdeep Singh struck early, dismissing Litton Das in the first over. Parvez Hossain Emon fell shortly after hitting Hardik Pandya for a six, with Arshdeep claiming his second wicket.
Debutant Mayank Yadav bowled a maiden in his first over, while Varun Chakravarthy, playing his first T20I since 2021, removed Towhid Hridoy as Bangladesh struggled.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto soon followed, leaving Bangladesh in trouble. Mehidy Hasan Miraz held the innings together but lacked support.
Hardik took a wicket in his final over, and Arshdeep ended the innings, taking his third wicket and bowling Bangladesh out for 127 with one ball left. Arshdeep was India’s most economical bowler, giving up only 14 runs in 3.5 overs.
India’s chase was brisk. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson started aggressively, both hitting boundaries. Abhishek was run out, but Suryakumar Yadav came in firing, smashing 29 off 14 before departing.
India were cruising at 71/2 after six overs. Hardik Pandya then joined the party, smashing 39 off just 16 balls, targeting Taskin Ahmed, Bangladesh’s most expensive bowler.
Nitish Kumar Reddy sealed the win with 16 runs off 15 balls as India won by seven wickets with 49 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.