Can Malhotra's Heroics Propel India to Victory Over Bangladesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vihaan Malhotra showcased exceptional bowling skills.
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi played a vital role with the bat.
- India demonstrated resilience despite early setbacks.
- Rain delays significantly impacted match strategy.
- Bangladesh's collapse was swift after a promising start.
Bulawayo, Jan 17 (NationPress) A remarkable all-round performance by Vihaan Malhotra (4 for 14), combined with a stunning half-century from Vaibhav Suryavanshi (72), secured India an 18-run victory against Bangladesh using the DLS method during their second match in the tournament at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
India faced early setbacks, losing two wickets within the third over. Captain Ayush Mhatre fell for just 6 runs, while Vedant Trivedi was dismissed for a golden duck. Despite the pressure, Suryavanshi maintained composure, delivering an aggressive innings punctuated by frequent boundaries.
Following a wicket loss of Malhotra for 7 towards the end of the powerplay, Bangladesh continued to apply pressure on India. Suryavanshi reached his half-century in a brisk 30 balls, forming a crucial partnership with Abhigyan Kundu.
As India seemed to regain momentum, Iqbal Hossain Emon swiftly claimed two wickets, halting India's progress, including that of Suryavanshi (72). Kundu, however, persisted, scoring an impressive 80 runs before rain forced a halt in play, reducing the match to 49 overs.
India was ultimately bowled out for 238 runs, with Kundu's individual score being a standout. Bangladesh commenced their batting poorly, losing a wicket in the first over but managed to recover, reaching 54 runs by the end of the first 10 overs. Another rain delay impacted the match, leading to a revised target of 165 runs from 29 overs.
At the end of 20 overs, Bangladesh appeared to be in a strong position with 102 runs for 2 wickets. However, Malhotra's return to bowling marked the beginning of a Bangladesh collapse, ending a 44-run partnership. Azizul Hakim Tamim supported their innings with a six and a half-century, but Malhotra's second spell proved decisive, leading to a dramatic collapse as Bangladesh lost their last eight wickets for just 40 runs. Henil Patel claimed the final wicket, sealing India's impressive 18-run victory.