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PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Mushfiqur Rahim

A historic win for Bangladesh at the Kotla, breaking one of the most talked-about hoodoos in the modern age, as they trounce India for the first time in T20Is. The series is still wide open though, with two more games to go. However, despite all the on-field drama today, a sobering fact looms. Above and beyond the game of cricket, it is perhaps playing in such conditions that should be subjected to an ethical review, rather than the integrity of Rahul Dravid. That no figures of authority had anything but a blind eye is appalling. On that morbid note, it’s Rishi Roy bidding you goodbye, on behalf of Pradeep Krishnamurthy, Akshay Maanay, Nikhil Jadhav and Praveen. Here’s hoping for a rise from this tragic scheduling nadir: that Delhi hosted its first international fixture of the year right after an event that escalates its pollution levels to an annual maxima…

Perhaps this is what passes for cricket at the highest level these days: adaptability to conditions, the pitch, the ball, the boundaries. Claustrophobia under the helmet, particularly for the wicketkeepers and the batsmen, is perhaps stretching it a tad in the name of adaptability. Yep, they’ll need to get themselves checked after all this – particularly Pant, who was coughing and didn’t look particularly comfortable out there. Yeah, the cliche of challenging yourself should perhaps be limited to the field, in a way that it doesn’t threaten life…

Mushfiqur Rahim | Man of the Match | 60*(43): When we were playing in front of a huge crowd, and when the team needs it, nothing like playing an innings like that. Nothing like beating India in India, so this means a lot to me. Soumya and I had a chat, and we thought of dragging the game deep, and any of the quicks could have been targeted for 15-20 in an over because the spinners got a lot of assistance so it was hard to hit them. Naim also played really well at the start. I’m trying my best to evolve as a cricketer, and I will try to perform in each and every game for Bangladesh.

Mahmudullah | Bangaldesh captain: I think it was all based on how we started. The bowlers did a great job, everyone chipped in. I think we fielded really well and that gave us momentum going into our batting. I think captaincy is made easy because of the boys who have performed really well. I know the Fizz is one of our key bowlers but I think the other bowlers were needed according to the conditions. Mushy was really good and Soumya had a good partnership with him. I think Naim deserves a mention as well. He played really well on debut.

Rohit Sharma | India captain: Not to take credit away from Bangladesh. They put us under pressure right from the start when we were batting. It was a defendable score, and we made mistakes on the field. The guys are a bit inexperienced, and they can learn from that, perhaps not make them the next time. The reviews were a mistake from our side, not to talk about it at least, and the first ball he played on the back foot, we thought it was going down leg, and the next one on the front foot, but we forgot how short he is! We weren’t up to the mark on the field, but batting-wise I think we put up a competitive score. Chahal was always welcomed into this format. He’s crucial to this team, and he showed how important he is in the middle overs, when the batsmen are set. He completely understands what he needs to execute, and that makes it a little easier for the captain as well.

Soumya Sarkar: We are all happy as it our first T20I win against India. 140 was a good total and they bowled well, but we managed to get over the line. We were not nervous. We were cool, calm and positive of chasing the target down. We miss Tamim and Shakib but the rest of the XI had a positive mindset.

Last two T20Is in Delhi
2017: India’s first win in six games vs NZ
2019: India’s first loss in nine games vs Ban

First win for Bangladesh against India in nine T20Is. Only one other team took as many matches before registering their maiden T20I win against an opponent – Zimbabwe against Afghanistan

22:27 Local Time: The Tigers roar at last, after a host of soul-crushing defeats over the years. India have made them smell rare meat, made them salivate, only to deny them the juicy steak in the end. Blood, sweat, tears, and possibly some lung damage: that’s been the cost of this landmark victory at the Kotla. There were early wickets, but overall, the partnership between the Sarkar (of Nidahas infamy) and Mushfiqur that laid the platform, before the skipper joined the latter at the crease to fittingly redeem the brainfreeze of Bangalore 2016 – not to mention, minus Tamim and Shakib. Mushfiqur’s dropped catch by Krunal, Khaleel’s boundary hemorrhage in the penultimate over, and several other factors to look at for India, who have perhaps taken their neighbours a little too lightly today. Here’s Soumya Sarkar, having a chat with Star Sports…19.3

Shivam Dube to Mahmudullah, SIX, that’s it, Bangladesh record their first ever T20I win against India! Banged in short by Dube, Mahmudullah charges down, smokes that over wide long-on for six, and lets out an almighty roar! At last, at long last, Bangladesh have downed their neighbours and gotten the monkey off their back…

Scores level. 1 off 4.19.3

Shivam Dube to Mahmudullah, wide, wide down the leg-side, as anti-climactic as you could possibly get.19.2

Shivam Dube to Mahmudullah, 2 runs, short and into the gut, a mistimed pull towards wide long-on, lots of Bangla screaming and they’ve finally run across for two! 2 to win off 4. Surely, it won’t be 2 off 3…19.1

Shivam Dube to Mahmudullah, no run, he’s walked across, back of a length ball on leg-stump, Mahmudullah misses the glance, and that’s through to Pant. A back-handed flick back to the stumps, and he misses. Mahmudullah would’ve been short of his ground

Shivam Dube, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

18 off the penultimate over, and just four to win off the last one. Now, some pace from Dube! Interesting move. Clearly a gamble from Rohit Sharma. Here goes…18.6

Khaleel Ahmed to Rahim, FOUR, grips on the wicket, on a length, leading edge, and that’s serendipitously bisected backward point and short third man to run away for four! That should be the game…18.5

Khaleel Ahmed to Rahim, FOUR, India’s perfect record may be smeared tonight! Wide full-toss, and he’s sliced it away to the deep backward point fence for four!18.4

Khaleel Ahmed to Rahim, FOUR, surely Bangladesh can’t lose it from here! A very full one on off, and Rahim shuffles across to scoop it away towards the fine leg fence for four! Fifty for Rahim. No chest-thumping this time, but he looks at the skies. Don’t think he can see the moon…18.3

Khaleel Ahmed to Rahim, FOUR, short ball, and he’s pulled it away to the deep backward square leg fence for four! That releases the pressure! Advantage Bangladesh! India’s bench-strength under the pump…18.2

Khaleel Ahmed to Mahmudullah, leg byes, 1 run, back of a length delivery on middle, Rahim misses the tuck into the on-side, struck on the box, trickles onto the pitch and they sneak a leg-bye18.1

Khaleel Ahmed to Rahim, 1 run, length delivery on leg-stump, Rahim backs away and steers it down to backward point for a single

22 off 12. That 13-run over has been pivotal. And Krunal’s drop. Well well well, Bangaldesh are back. Sit tight, folks.17.6

Chahal to Mahmudullah, FOUR, drops it a little short, Mahmudullah waits on it and slaps it wide of Manish Pandey at long-off, he’s chasing it, puts in the dive, but all in vain as it has too much on it. Into the fence, and Pandey buries his face in shame…17.5

Chahal to Mahmudullah, 2 runs, spins away outside off, Mahmudullah miscues the inside out loft over the in-field as it trundles towards deep extra cover for a couple17.4

Chahal to Rahim, 1 run, flat and quick on the stumps, Rahim doesn’t care and switches stances to swat-sweep it away towards deep backward point for a single17.3

Chahal to Rahim, FOUR, tossed up leg-break on off, a slog-sweep against the spin, right into Krunal’s cups and he’s dropped it! Through to the fence, and that’s insult to injury! Krunal wishes the ground would swallow him up, though the air is doing a fine job at the moment!17.2

Chahal to Mahmudullah, 1 run, skids through onto the pads, whipped hastily off the backfoot towards square leg for a single17.1

Chahal to Rahim, 1 run, backs away, gets a flat one on the stumps, slaps it away towards sweeper cover for a single

Yuzvendra Chahal [3.0-0-11-1] is back into the attack

Mahmudullah, right handed bat, comes to the crease16.6

Khaleel Ahmed to Soumya Sarkar, out Bowled! He’s missed it completely, but the point is, the off-cutter has done him in! Saw the initial width and set himself up for a late-cut, but that’s some smart stuff by Khaleel as he gets it to cut back in, cramps him for room, gets it through to crash into the off-stump! A vital wicket for India at this point! This partnership looked like it could have taken Bangladesh through, but India have made an incision! Soumya Sarkar b Khaleel Ahmed 39(35) [4s-1 6s-2]

Khaleel Ahmed to Soumya Sarkar, THAT’S OUT!! Bowled!!16.5

Khaleel Ahmed to Soumya Sarkar, 2 runs, angled in on a length, Soumya Sarkar charges down and swats it away towards wide long-on where Sharma picks it up and keeps it to a brace

Something in Dhawan’s eye, and the batsmen are taking a break for a drink too. How about a lung inspection to go with that? Just saying. Meanwhile, the RRR crosses the 11rpo barrier.16.4

Khaleel Ahmed to Rahim, 1 run, good length ball on off-stump, Rahim pokes it away with an open face towards backward point for a quick single16.3

Khaleel Ahmed to Rahim, no run, the leg-cutter to the right-hander, Rahim tries steer it away towards third man, but is beaten on the outside edge by the lack of pace and the lateral movement16.2

Khaleel Ahmed to Rahim, no run, short of length delivery just outside off, Rahim backs away and steers it towards Rahul at point16.1

Khaleel Ahmed to Rahim, SIX, short ball into the head, and Rahim almost falls over to the off-side hooking it high and mighty into the fine leg stand for six!15.6

Krunal Pandya to Soumya Sarkar, no run, they’ve gone up to the third umpire for a stumping! Well within his crease, clearly. As Soumya Sarkar tries dragging this frat one from outside off with a sweep, the ball whizzes to Pant who whips the bails off. Well within the crease…15.5

Krunal Pandya to Soumya Sarkar, 2 runs, dropped short, stays low, drags the sweep from outside off and there’s spin on that, which Chahar should have anticipated, as he almost lets this through for four – and that’s the fifty-run stand15.4

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, 1 run, angles it in, reverse-lapped to short third man for another single15.4

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, wide, this is a wide on the off-side, attempting the same thing he did the last time15.3

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, no run, flat, quick and full, Rahim can’t slice this, and that’s right into the glove15.2

Krunal Pandya to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, full, flat and wide, slapped to Rohit at short extra cover who dives to his right and picks it up to save a certain boundary – throws at the non-striker’s end, but he’s in15.1

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, 1 run, angled flat into the stumps, Rahim changes stance, switches to a left-hander’s position, and gets some bat on the reverse-lap towards short third man for a single14.6

Khaleel Ahmed to Rahim, 1 run, back of a length delivery from round the wicket, stops off the wicket, carved away towards deep backward point for a single14.5

Khaleel Ahmed to Soumya Sarkar, leg byes, 1 run, back of a length delivery on the thigh, tucked away behind square leg for a leg-bye14.4

Khaleel Ahmed to Rahim, 1 run, short ball at the head, 126.4km/h, pulled away down to fine leg for a single14.3

Khaleel Ahmed to Rahim, no run, short and wide, some tennis-ball bounce, Rahim has a go at the flying upper-cut, misses14.2

Khaleel Ahmed to Soumya Sarkar, leg byes, 1 run, good length ball just outside off, Soumya Sarkar gets across and tries swatting it towards deep backward square leg, massive appeal, but struck miles outside off-stump! A throw at the non-striker’s end, and if he’d struck with the direct-hit, he was gone!14.1

Khaleel Ahmed to Rahim, 1 run, short of length delivery from over the wicket, steered off the backfoot down towards third man for a single

K Khaleel Ahmed [1.0-0-8-0] is back into the attack13.6

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, 1 run, banged into the middle of the wicket, no width, tapped on the head off the backfoot to backward point for a single13.5

Krunal Pandya to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, width on offer, driven down to deep extra cover for a single13.4

Krunal Pandya to Soumya Sarkar, SIX, that’s landed outside the off-stump, but he’s comes down the track and dragged that slog over deep midwicket for six!13.3

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, 1 run, a bit more air, angling into the middle-stump, drilled down to long-on for a single13.2

Krunal Pandya to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, 109.1km/h, full-toss on the body, and that’s shovelled with a pull down to deep midwicket for a single13.1

Krunal Pandya to Soumya Sarkar, 2 runs, full and wide outside off, Soumya Sarkar slaps it over the in-field towards long-off for a couple – a dive by Dube, but he almost lets it roll into the boundary. Saves some face in the end

Krunal Pandya [2.0-0-14-0] is back into the attack

The RRR is soaring. The batsmen aren’t freely scoring. This certainly isn’t boring.12.6

Washington Sundar to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, flat half-tracker on the thigh, and a hasty pull down to backward square leg for a single12.5

Washington Sundar to Soumya Sarkar, no run, grip and turn from round the wicket, past the outside edge as Soumya Sarkar gets forward and tries to poke it into the off-side12.4

Washington Sundar to Rahim, 1 run, a flat tramline yorker, squeezed away towards deep backward point for a single12.3

Washington Sundar to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, follows the batsman into the on-side, gets it to straighten, and he is cramped to just tap it towards cover for a single12.2

Washington Sundar to Soumya Sarkar, no run, skids through towards the off-stump, Soumya Sarkar stays really low and carves it towards the man at point12.1

Washington Sundar to Rahim, 1 run, spins sharply back in, a cramped cut to backward point for a single

Washington Sundar [3.0-0-21-0] is back into the attack11.6

Chahal to Rahim, 1 run, very full on off-stump, Rahim walks at it, and whips it away against the turn towards the wide long-on area for a single11.5

Chahal to Rahim, no run, drifts in, gets the batsman to play inside the line, and then makes it turn away off the wicket, beating his outside edge comprehensively11.4

Chahal to Rahim, 2 runs, loads of flight, very full on off-stump, Rahim whips it away down towards cow corner for a couple11.3

Chahal to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, loopy googly on a length, coaxing Soumya Sarkar to come down the wicket, and he tries heaving it over long-on – gets a thick outside edge to third man for a single11.2

Chahal to Rahim, 1 run, spinning away, leg-break, tucked against the spin to midwicket for a quick single11.1

Chahal to Rahim, FOUR, angled in flat, and that’s a hard sweep away to fine leg for four! Authority!

India missed another review option on the third ball (9.3) of Chahal’s previous over. The ball-tracking is showed and there are three reds, again. That time they didn’t even discuss about the review.10.6

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, 1 run, fraction short and it holds up, Rahim adjusts well to direct it to sweeper cover10.5

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, no run, flatter delivery on off, Rahim works it to the right of Krunal, no chance of a single10.4

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, FOUR, pressure-releaser from Rahim. Bangladesh needed that badly. Drifting in with the angle, Rahim moves across, kneels down and sweeps it backward of square, no chance for the fielder in the deep10.3

Krunal Pandya to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, in the air and safe. The pressure was building and Sarkar had to get the boundary, he makes room and tries to go over the bowler, the ball hits the cue-end and skies up, lands safely in front of the incoming long-on fielder10.2

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, 1 run, shortens the length and turns, Rahim steers it with an open bat face to short third man10.1

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, no run, makes room and Krunal is smart enough to keep it close to the batsman, pushed to cover9.6

Chahal to Soumya Sarkar, no run, India have lost their review. They should have taken it earlier in the over but they didn’t and now have lost one to an appeal that did not sound confident from the start. The slider which goes on with the angle, Sarkar shuffles and is beaten on the inside edge and only Pant thought there an edge

India review: Chahal was not sure. He asks Pant and the ‘keeper convinces Rohit to go for the review. It is for a caught behind. Fair delivery. The UltraEdge shows a flat line as ball goes past the bat. Not Out!9.5

Chahal to Rahim, 1 run, googly now and Rahim does not read it, he ekes out an inside edge and the ball deflects off the pad towards short fine

The replays are in for the second ball (9.2) and it shows the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps. Three Reds and India have missed an opportunity.9.4

Chahal to Rahim, no run, shortens the length and Rahim turns it gently to the right of the bowler9.3

Chahal to Rahim, no run, stifled appeal for LBW. This might have pitched outside leg as Rahim misses the nudge to the on-side and is rapped on the pads9.2

Chahal to Rahim, no run, Chahal and Rohit discuss for a LBW review. They don’t go for it. The slider which Rahim misses and is struck around leg-stump, he wanted a single but Sarkar sends him back. Pant scampers to his left and fires a throw at the stumps, a direct-hit would have found him short but it was not to be9.1

Chahal to Rahim, no run, now a lovely leg-break. Nice loop and drift, lands around middle-stump and spins away, nothing much Rahim can do about that, he prods forward and gets beaten comprehensively on the outside edge

Chahal vs Ban (T20I)
4-0-19-1
4-0-21-1
4-0-18-3
1-0-1-1 (today)8.6

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, 1 run, fraction short and outside off, Rahim cracks it square and the sweeper tidies up8.5

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, no run, flighted on off-stump, Rahim prods forward and defends to cover8.4

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, FOUR, Rahim reckons he needs to keep the momentum going. He goes for the reverse sweep just on his third delivery and connects it well, gets under the ball and smacks it over backward point8.3

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, no run, bit more air on this and Rahim defends with the head right on top of the ball8.2

Krunal Pandya to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, leg-lined again and Sarkar tucks it square on the leg-side8.1

Krunal Pandya to Rahim, 1 run, darted in at 96.3kph, Rahim nurdles it backward of square leg

Krunal Pandya, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack7.6

Chahal to Soumya Sarkar, no run, googly to end the over, Sarkar watchfully pushes it to cover

Mushfiqur Rahim, right handed bat, comes to the crease7.5

Chahal to Naim, out Caught by Dhawan!! Chahal brought on and he strikes in his first over. Much needed breakthrough for India. The Kotla erupts as Dhawan does the thigh-five after completing the catch. The wrong ‘un and Naim goes for the slog sweep against the turn, the top-edge skies up towards long-on and Dhawan takes a good catch running in. A good innings from the debutant comes to an end. Naim c Dhawan b Chahal 26(28) [4s-2 6s-1]

Chahal to Naim, THAT’S OUT!! Caught!!7.4

Chahal to Naim, no run, tossed up on off and middle, Naim turns it to the left of Chahal7.3

Chahal to Naim, no run, another wrong ‘un and this was better than the first one. Naim prods forward to defend but the ball spins away to beat the outside edge7.2

Chahal to Naim, no run, googly that is outside off, Naim looks to drive and is beaten by the away turn7.1

Chahal to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, flighted and Sarkar takes it from outside off to work it through the open mid-wicket region

Yuzvendra Chahal, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack6.6

Khaleel Ahmed to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, fuller and around off, Sarkar plays it with soft hands in front of cover and sets off, Rohit swoops down and under arms a throw at the striker’s end, he misses and Naim gets in comfortably6.5

Khaleel Ahmed to Naim, 1 run, off-speed delivery and Naim nurdles it away to long leg, for a single6.4

Khaleel Ahmed to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, full and attacking the stumps, Sarkar eases the drive to long-on6.4

Khaleel Ahmed to Soumya Sarkar, wide, sprays the slower delivery down leg and Sarkar cannot meet with the glance6.3

Khaleel Ahmed to Soumya Sarkar, no run, 125.6kph short of length delivery outside off, Sarkar pulls and misses. The ball did not bounce as much as he expected and hence no connection made6.2

Khaleel Ahmed to Soumya Sarkar, no run, bouncer which flies over a half-ducking Sarkar, close to being called a wide6.1

Khaleel Ahmed to Soumya Sarkar, FOUR, welcome Mr. Khaleel. That is a shot of authority. 129.1kph short of length delivery outside off, Sarkar walks down and across, the room he had made helped him to slap it hard and over Rohit at cover, the ball rocketed to the fence

K Khaleel Ahmed, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

Bangladesh have scored 25 runs off the last two overs in the powerplay and set the foundation for the chase. Naim and Sarkar also seem to have got the measure of the surface as they are taking calculated risks. India need a couple of wickets to come back into the game.5.6

Washington Sundar to Naim, no run, short and spinning away, Naim plays a controlled cut straight to point5.5

Washington Sundar to Naim, FOUR, edged and four. Slower through the air and turning away, Naim had the room to free his arms and he throws his bat at it, the outside edge flies wide of Rohit and beats Chahal’s chase from backward point5.4

Washington Sundar to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, shortens the length and gets it to spin away, Sarkar stabs it past Rohit at slip and collects the single5.3

Washington Sundar to Naim, 1 run, flatter in trajectory, Naim wrists it towards mid-on, another quick single5.2

Washington Sundar to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, smart batting. Nabs a quick single after hitting a six. Sarkar drops it into the off-side and sets off, Naim responds and Rahim is not fast enough to prevent the run5.1

Washington Sundar to Soumya Sarkar, SIX, Sarkar joins the act now. This is superb premeditation from the southpaw. Sarkar set up for the reverse sweep and used the pace of Sundar to send it sailing over the square third man fence4.6

Chahar to Naim, no run, slower bouncer angled across the left hander, Naim is beaten by the lack of pace as he’s through the shot early4.5

Chahar to Naim, FOUR, this is turning out to be an expensive over from Chahar, 12 runs already. The knuckle ball which he overpitches outside off, Naim creams the drive through extra cover and mid-off. He played that superbly as he waited for the ball to arrive and then relied on placing it in the gap4.4

Chahar to Naim, no run, back of a length around off, Naim times his back foot push and it races to Rohit at cover4.3

Chahar to Naim, 2 runs, short of length and Naim drags the heave from outside off, mistimes it wide of mid-wicket and pockets a brace4.2

Chahar to Naim, no run, back of a length around off, Naim chops it back down the wicket4.1

Chahar to Naim, SIX, lovely shot! That should get the debutant going. Chahar has been feeding deliveries on the pad and this time Naim ensures he makes maximum use of it, brings his bottom hand into play as he whips it all the way over the deep square leg fence3.6

Washington Sundar to Soumya Sarkar, no run, appeal for LBW and then a catch. Umpire Nandan is not convinced on both regards. The ball drifts in and straightens, Sarkar misses the nudge to the on-side and the ball lobs off the pad to Rohit at slip. The impact was around leg-stump and might have gone down3.5

Washington Sundar to Naim, 1 run, fuller in length and that allows Naim to ease a single down to long-off3.4

Washington Sundar to Naim, no run, fraction short and around off, Naim cracks the cut straight to backward point3.3

Washington Sundar to Naim, no run, slider which skids on, Naim is beaten for pace and struck on the pad. The ball was going down and height was also an issue3.2

Washington Sundar to Naim, 2 runs, excellent running from the pair. Naim nudges it straight to square leg and sets off, Dube hits the stumps at the bowler’s end though Naim had made it in, the deflection rolls slightly away from Sundar and Sarkar calls his partner back for the second3.1

Washington Sundar to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, slower and spins a bit, Sarkar taps it into the off-side and crosses over2.6

Chahar to Naim, no run, now the conventional inswinger from Chahar, Naim looks to flick and gets an inside edge onto the pad, the ball trickles back to Chahar who did get his line right in the last three balls2.5

Chahar to Naim, no run, nip-backer and it cuts in from off-stump, Naim is rooted to the crease and brings his bat down in time to jam it onto the pad, he would have been a goner had he missed that2.4

Chahar to Naim, no run, 131kph full delivery angled across the left hander, Naim mistimes the drive straight down the wicket2.3

Chahar to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, good length ball on off, Sarkar drops it with soft hands into the off-side and races across to the other end2.2

Chahar to Naim, 1 run, this one jags away after pitching around leg-stump, Naim closes the bat face to play the flick and the leading edge rolls away to third man. He needs to correct his line quickly..2.1

Chahar to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, swinging into the pads, Sarkar flicks it away to deep backward square1.6

Washington Sundar to Naim, no run, flighted and it spins away, Naim looks for the slog sweep but he’s nowhere close to the ball1.5

Washington Sundar to Naim, 2 runs, in the air and safe. Touch slower and on a length, Naim tries to drive on the rise and slices it into the off-side field, luckily for him it landed between extra cover and cover-point, Chahal does the tidying up1.4

Washington Sundar to Naim, no run, lots of air and lands it in the blockhole, jammed into the on-side1.3

Washington Sundar to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, on the shorter side and it sticks on the surface, Sarkar’s cut shot goes down to long-off1.2

Washington Sundar to Naim, 1 run, shortens the length and gets it to turn, Naim works it against the spin to mid-on

Rohit is at slip1.1

Washington Sundar to Naim, no run, tossed up around off, Naim drives it straight to cover

Washington Sundar, right-arm off break, comes into the attack0.6

Chahar to Soumya Sarkar, no run, swinging into the pads and Sarkar fails to meet with the flick, the ball hits the thigh pad and rolls back to Chahar. A similar sort of start for Bangladesh like India’s0.6

Chahar to Soumya Sarkar, wide, floaty full delivery outside off, sprays it too far out and it is an easy call for the umpire

Soumya Sarkar, left handed bat, comes to the crease0.5

Chahar to Liton Das, out Caught by Rahul!! There’s the wicket India were looking for. The surface aiding Chahar here. Short and outside off, it was there for the cut on any other surface but not this one at the Kotla, Das was half-hearted with his attempt as the ball stopped on him a bit, chips it tamely to cover-point where Rahul clasps it safely. Liton Das c Rahul b Chahar 7(4) [4s-1]

Chahar to Liton Das, THAT’S OUT!! Caught!!0.4

Chahar to Naim, 1 run, swinging in but it was short of length and Naim tucks it backward of square to open his T20I account

Lowest totals successfully defended by India (T20Is)
138 vs Zim Harare 2016
144 vs Eng Nagpur 2017
146 vs Ban Bengaluru 20160.3

Chahar to Liton Das, 1 run, very full delivery around off, Das wrists it in the gap between mid-wicket and mid-on, just a single0.2

Chahar to Liton Das, FOUR, poor delivery from Chahar. He goes searching for the magic delivery – starting on middle and leg and hitting off-stump, but ends up straying on the pads and Das flicks it neatly through the mid-wicket region and the timing takes care of the rest0.1

Chahar to Liton Das, 2 runs, confident looking start from Das. Full and hint of away swing, Das presses forward and allows it to move before easing the drive past the cover fielder, just a push and hence only a brace

Liton Das and Naim are at the crease. Liton Das is on strike. Chahar will open the attack

Welcome back.. India have got the momentum from those last two overs and it is now up to the bowlers to keep that going. Liton Das and Naim will open the innings for Bangladesh. Deepak Chahar will start for India. A slip in place and we are ready to roll..

Afif Hossain (3-0-11-1): Yeah quite happy with my performance. I was trying to bowl dots and the captain gave me some confidence. We came here and practised for three days, trying to adjust to the conditions and applied it in the context of the match. We were just trying to bowl dot balls. The pitch is good, and 149 is chaseable, so if we start well, I think we can chase it down.

Barring the last couple of overs, it was an innings that never got going for India. On a two-paced pitch, they struggled for timing, Rohit was dismissed early, Rahul looked good, but was the first batsman to be done in by the slowness of the pitch, Shreyas decided to play his shots and the fun lasted for a while, but it was only a cameo and nothing more. Rishabh struggled to get going, Dhawan had dropped anchor before he was sold a dummy by his partner. At 118 for 6 after 18 overs, it looked like India would be at least 30 runs short of a competitive score. The last couple of overs have shifted the momentum slightly in their favour, but the visitors – who bowled and fielded superbly – will feel they can chase this score down. Back in a while for the chase19.6

Al-Amin to Krunal Pandya, SIX, India have finished well – 16 from the over – 30 from the last two overs and the hosts have finished with 148 on the baord. Short and at the stumps, Krunal swivels across and pulls it high and over square leg for another maximum19.5

Al-Amin to Washington Sundar, 1 run, short of a length and at the stumps, pulled without any timing to mid-wicket19.4

Al-Amin to Washington Sundar, SIX, beautifully played, Sundar is playing a handy cameo here, length delivery outside off, it was the slower ball – Sundar stood tall, presented the full face of the bat, high elbow and lifts it over mid-off, went sailing over long-off for a maximum19.3

Al-Amin to Krunal Pandya, 1 run, short of a length and at the stumps, Krunal looks to pull and gets a thick inside edge towards long leg19.2

Al-Amin to Washington Sundar, leg byes, 1 run, on a good length and on Sundar’s pads, he was looking to tuck and missed, sneaks in another leg-bye19.1

Al-Amin to Krunal Pandya, leg byes, 1 run, short of a length and on Krunal’s pads, he was looking to heave it over the on-side and missed, half-an-appeal for LBW, but the ball had clearly pitched outside leg18.6

Shafiul to Washington Sundar, SIX, cracking shot, much needed for India – short and it sat up to be smacked, Sundar was right under the delivery as he hoisted the pull over wide long-on, 14 from the over and India are finishing well18.5

Shafiul to Krunal Pandya, 1 run, tad fuller and just outside off, driven towards cover for a single18.4

Shafiul to Krunal Pandya, FOUR, nicely played, poor ball from Shafiul, short and wide of off, with the two fielders in the ring, Krunal played with with an open face and steered it over those two men18.3

Shafiul to Washington Sundar, 1 run, short of a length and at the stumps, pulled without any timing towards mid-wicket

Washington Sundar, left handed bat, comes to the crease18.2

Shafiul to Pant, out Caught by Naim!! It doesn’t matter now though, Rishabh has muscled one straight into the hands of Naim at long-on – he couldn’t get going at all tonight, a sticky surface and the two-paced nature of the track not helping him one bit. length ball and he was looking to heave it over long-on, doesn’t get enough bat on it and finds the fielder in the deep. Pant c Naim b Shafiul 27(26) [4s-3]

Shafiul to Pant, THAT’S OUT!! Caught!!18.1

Shafiul to Pant, 2 runs, a slightly better throw and Rishabh would have been well short, on a length and at the stumps, heaved away backward of square on the on-side and he was always coming back for the second run – a good pick up and throw from Mossadek and even the dive wouldn’t have saved the batsman, but the ball landed right in front of Rahim and he can’t gather it cleanly

Shafiul Islam [3.0-0-22-1] is back into the attack17.6

Al-Amin to Pant, leg byes, 1 run, on a good length and angling into Rishabh’s pads, he was looking to flick and missed, sneaks in a leg-bye as the ball rolled to the off-side17.5

Al-Amin to Krunal Pandya, 1 run, another slower ball which was drifting down leg, Krunal was early into the flick, the ball caught the leading edge and dropped in front of the fielder at deep mid-wicket17.4

Al-Amin to Pant, 1 run, short of a length and at the stumps, hurried onto Rishabh who was clearly late on the pull, toe-ends it wide of mid-wicket for a single17.3

Al-Amin to Pant, no run, good comeback from Al-Amin, sensed that Rishabh was giving him the charge, rolled his fingers across the seam on the slower ball and did Rishabh in for pace, he was way too early on the swing and missed it completely17.2

Al-Amin to Pant, FOUR, cheeky and four, the slower bouncer from Al-Amin, banged in short and kept rising at the batsman, Rishabh waited on it, delayed his pull and then helped it over the keeper’s head for a boundary17.1

Al-Amin to Krunal Pandya, 1 run, length ball on the pads, tucked behind square on the on-side for a single

Al-Amin Hossain [2.0-0-6-0] is back into the attack16.6

Mustafizur to Krunal Pandya, 1 run, Mustafizur shortens his length outside off, Krunal plays close to his body and runs it down towards third man for a single16.5

Mustafizur to Pant, 1 run, back of a length and well wide of off, Rishabh runs it down towards third man for a single16.4

Mustafizur to Pant, no run, change of pace and that nearly did the trick for Mustafizur – rolled his fingers across the seam, had Rishabh hacking across the line and didn’t miss the off-stump by much16.3

Mustafizur to Pant, no run, short of a length and angling into Rishabh’s pads, he was looking to turn it to the on-side and is struck high on the thigh-pad16.2

Mustafizur to Pant, FOUR, lovely, pace on the ball and Rishabh is looking a lot better – back of a length and well wide of off, Rishabh played with an open face, used the pace on the ball and steers it behind square on the off-side for a boundary16.1

Mustafizur to Pant, 2 runs, short of a length and just outside off, Rishabh takes a step down the track and nudges it wide of mid-wicket, scampers back for the second run

Krunal Pandya, left handed bat, comes to the crease

Mustafizur Rahman [1.0-0-7-0] is back into the attack15.6

Afif Hossain to Shivam Dube, out Caught&Bowled!! That’s a fine catch from Afif – he’s having quite a day with the ball, flatter and drifting into the left-hander, Dube was looking to tuck it behind square on the on-side, the ball stopped on him, he was through with the shot way too early, caught the leading edge and lobbed back over the bowler’s head – would have landed safe if not for Afif’s acrobatics – leapt one-handed to his left and the ball stuck in his right-hand, he also ensured that it didn’t pop out as he hit the ground, a superb catch and Dube’s debut ends in misery. Shivam Dube c and b Afif Hossain 1(4)

Afif Hossain to Shivam Dube, THAT’S OUT!! Caught&Bowled!!15.5

Afif Hossain to Pant, 1 run, tossed up on the leg-stump line, nudged to the left of mid-wicket and this time he sends his partner back quickly on the second15.4

Afif Hossain to Pant, FOUR, cracking shot, that should get Rishabh going, dropped short and wide of off, he makes room and cuts it behind square on the off-side, the timing is good and it beats the diving fielder in the deep15.3

Afif Hossain to Shivam Dube, 1 run, another agricultural heave from Dube, not the best track to be making his debut – heaves across the line and squirts an inside edge behind square on the on-side15.2

Afif Hossain to Shivam Dube, no run, tossed up slower and wider of off, Dube made room for the cut, the ball never came onto him and he mistimes it badly towards the bowler15.1

Afif Hossain to Pant, 1 run, very full and at the stumps, eased down towards long-on for a single14.6

Mahmudullah to Shivam Dube, no run, tossed up on off, Dube leans well forward and defends it to the off-side

Shivam Dube, left handed bat, comes to the crease14.5

Mahmudullah to Pant, out Dhawan Run Out!! 1 run completed. Appeal for run-out and looks like Dhawan is in trouble, he doesn’t look all that confident and he’s actually well short. Poor running from Rishabh and it has cost his partner his wicket. India lose a well set batsmen and find themselves in trouble now. This was tossed up around middle, Rishabh played with soft hands and nudged it wide of mid-wicket – Mahmudullah himself did the chasing, Rishabh scampered across for the first and then turned blind for the second, that prompted Dhawan to respond – but after taking a couple of steps, Rishabh sensed the danger and sent his partner back. Dhawan was a long way down the pitch and had no chance of returning – the throw wasn’t the greatest, but Rahim has enough time to break the stumps. Dhawan run out (Mahmudullah/Rahim) 41(42) [4s-3 6s-1]

Mahmudullah to Pant, THAT’S OUT!! Run Out!!14.4

Mahmudullah to Dhawan, 1 run, tossed up on off, eased in front of square on the on-side14.4

Mahmudullah to Dhawan, wide, Mahmudullah saw Dhawan backing away and looks to fire one wide of off, well wide of the tramline though and it’s a wide14.3

Mahmudullah to Dhawan, no run, Dhawan brings out the reverse sweep now, bends down low and rolls his wrists over it, can’t get it past short third man14.2

Mahmudullah to Dhawan, SIX, massive, much needed blow from Dhawan, ran down the track, got close to the ball and that allowed him a free swing of the bat, has enough power on the lofted drive to clear long-on14.1

Mahmudullah to Pant, 1 run, tossed up on off, Rishabh drops it in front of backward point and scampers across for a quick single

Mahmudullah, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

This partnership isn’t going anywhere for India. The Bangladeshis have been quick to realise it and have bowled a few cheap overs. 6 overs remaining and even a total around 140 looks distant as of now. More spin and it’s the skipper now13.6

Afif Hossain to Dhawan, no run, tossed up around off, Dhawan backs away and can’t beat backward point with the cut – just 2 runs from Afif’s second over13.5

Afif Hossain to Pant, 1 run, flatter and at the stumps, whipped away off the back-foot to deep mid-wicket for a single13.4

Afif Hossain to Pant, no run, tossed up on off, Rishabh presses forward and pushes it back at the bowler13.3

Afif Hossain to Pant, no run, slower and on off, Rishabh leans half-forward and pushes it to the off-side13.2

Afif Hossain to Pant, no run, beauty, tossed up on off, drifting into the left-hander and drew him forward, turn from the straight and it drifts past Rishabh’s half-hearted prod forward13.1

Afif Hossain to Dhawan, 1 run, Afif saw Dhawan coming and fired this one short – Dhawan was shot on timing as he look to drill it through cover, rolled wide of mid-wicket for a single12.6

Mosaddek Hossain to Dhawan, 1 run, another delivery that was dropped short by Mosaddek – Dhawan rocks back and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single12.5

Mosaddek Hossain to Pant, 1 run, tossed up and drifting into the left-hander, worked in front of square on the on-side for a single12.4

Mosaddek Hossain to Dhawan, 1 run, pushed through outside off, Dhawan makes room and punches it square past cover for a single12.3

Mosaddek Hossain to Dhawan, FOUR, lovely shot, a half-tracker and Dhawan has put it away in style, rocks back and pulls it behind square on the on-side, bisected the two fielders in the deep

Chandra tweets: Such is the craze in India that despite many health risks, the stadium is absolutely jam packed. Breathtaking atmosphere!12.2

Mosaddek Hossain to Pant, 1 run, tossed up around middle and leg, Rishabh plays with soft hands and works it wide of mid-wicket for a single12.1

Mosaddek Hossain to Pant, no run, flatter and just outside off, pushed off the back-foot to cover

Mosaddek Hossain, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

More off-spin from Bangladesh11.6

Afif Hossain to Dhawan, no run, absolutely zero communication between the two Delhi boys in Delhi – Dhawan was happily jogging across towards the other end after pushing this one to the right of cover – Pant was having none of it though, screams and sends his partner back in the nick of time11.5

Afif Hossain to Dhawan, no run, nicely flighted outside off, Dhawan leans forward and finds cover with the drive11.4

Afif Hossain to Pant, 1 run, very full and on the leg-stump line, Rishabh calmly pushes it down to long-on for a single11.3

Afif Hossain to Dhawan, 1 run, nicely tossed up outside off, Dhawan reaches out and drives it wide of cover for a single11.2

Afif Hossain to Dhawan, no run, Dhawan shimmies down the track to a well flighted delivery and pushes it to cover11.1

Afif Hossain to Dhawan, no run, tossed up on off, Dhawan prods forward and defends

Afif Hossain, right-arm off break, comes into the attack10.6

Aminul Islam to Pant, no run, the leg-break from Aminul, cramped Rishabh for room as he went for the cut – ended up chopping it straight to the fielder at cover10.5

Aminul Islam to Dhawan, 1 run, loopy delivery on off, Dhawan gets close to the ball and whips it wide of mid-wicket for a single10.4

Aminul Islam to Pant, 1 run, tossed up on off, Rishabh prods across and works it down towards long-on for a single10.3

Aminul Islam to Dhawan, 1 run, poor ball from Aminul, but he gets away with it – a filthy long hop and Dhawan pulled it straight to deep mid-wicket

Rishabh Pant, left handed bat, comes to the crease10.2

Aminul Islam to Shreyas Iyer, out Caught by Naim!! One shot too many from Shreyas and Aminul has his man – lovely bowling from the leg-spinner, he gave this leg-break plenty of air, a brave thing to do after being smashed for two sixes. Shreyas couldn’t hold himself back, went for the big hit over long-off, didn’t quite get to the pitch of the ball and ended up slicing the drive, was in the air for a long time and when it did come down, Naim was safely under it. A big wicket for Bangladesh, a few overs and Shreyas could have taken India to a big score. Shreyas Iyer c Naim b Aminul Islam 22(13) [4s-1 6s-2]

Aminul Islam to Shreyas Iyer, THAT’S OUT!! Caught!!10.1

Aminul Islam to Dhawan, 1 run, the leg-break from Aminul, Dhawan makes room and cuts it square past cover for a single9.6

Soumya Sarkar to Shreyas Iyer, 2 runs, short of a length outside off, Shreyas Iyer opens his bat face and slices it to deep backward point for two more. A productive over for India with 9 coming off it9.5

Soumya Sarkar to Shreyas Iyer, FOUR, lovely placement! A full toss by Soumya Sarkar and Shreyas Iyer flicks it with precision through the gap at mid-wicket, bisecting deep mid-wicket and long-on9.4

Soumya Sarkar to Dhawan, 1 run, that came so slow, the batsman could have taken a nap and then played it. But the fact that Dhawan was down the wicket to play it gave him very less time to deal with it. He drags it through square leg and gets one9.3

Soumya Sarkar to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run, wristily flicks the length delivery to deep mid-on and jogs over to the other end9.2

Soumya Sarkar to Shreyas Iyer, no run, 123kph, length delivery outside off, Shreyas Iyer rocks back and knocks it to the man at cover9.1

Soumya Sarkar to Dhawan, 1 run, back of a length delivery around middle and leg, Dhawan clips it through square leg8.6

Aminul Islam to Shreyas Iyer, SIX, bludgeoned! And the Delhi crowd is slowly finding their voice back. Aminul Islam pitches this one up and the batsman stands tall as he thumps it right over the bowler’s head. Six runs to end the over and the run rate is slowly notching up, inching closer to 78.5

Aminul Islam to Shreyas Iyer, no run, push-drives the loopy delivery in front of covers and the fielder is quick to charge foward and gather the ball, was the captain probably8.4

Aminul Islam to Dhawan, 1 run, low full toss on the pads, Dhawan clips it towards square leg for one run8.3

Aminul Islam to Dhawan, no run, back of a length outside off, Dhawan attempts a back foot cut, but again the timing isn’t impressive8.2

Aminul Islam to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run, Shreyas will be livid with himself. Was a full toss and this should have been put away. Goes hard at it with a slap and mistimes the loft at long-off8.1

Aminul Islam to Dhawan, 1 run, the googly by Aminul Islam, Dhawan tries to flick it but he’s a touch early in doing so. Gets a leading edge but it falls in no man’s land at covers7.6

Soumya Sarkar to Shreyas Iyer, no run, back of a length outside off, Shreyas Iyer carves it with soft hands towards point7.5

Soumya Sarkar to Dhawan, 1 run, knocks this one into the gap at cover-point off his back foot, single7.4

Soumya Sarkar to Dhawan, FOUR, easy pickings for Dhawan! Soumya Sarkar strays in line and feeds this one on the batsman’s pads, he was on his back foot and instead of using power he opts for finesse, glancing it past the fielder at short fine leg, 50 up for India7.3

Soumya Sarkar to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run, sliced to backward point off his back foot by Shreyas Iyer, was a touch shortish in the channel outside off7.2

Soumya Sarkar to Shreyas Iyer, no run, looks a two paced wicket. This one stuck into the surface and came a tad slower towards the batsman, Shreyas Iyer tries to drive it but his bottom hand comes off while doing so, straight to cover7.1

Soumya Sarkar to Dhawan, 1 run, eases this one through covers for a single, was a fullish delivery by Sarkar at gentle medium pace

Soumya Sarkar, right-arm medium, comes into the attack6.6

Aminul Islam to Shreyas Iyer, SIX, he has played a lot of cricket at this venue, leading the Delhi Capitals. Aminul Islam tosses the legbreak and provides the width at the same time. Shreyas Iyer reaches out for it and whacks it over deep extra cover for a flat six. Just the kind of shot India were looking to break the shackles6.5

Aminul Islam to Dhawan, 1 run, works this one through mid-wicket for a single, does Dhawan6.4

Aminul Islam to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run, loopy delivery in the channel outside off, Shreyas Iyer goes hard at this one and slices it towards deep cover, luckily there was no fielder in the deep, else this would have been a catch

Shreyas Iyer, right handed bat, comes to the crease6.3

Aminul Islam to Rahul, out Caught by Mahmudullah!! The leg spinner comes into the attack and strikes straightaway. Soft dismissal. Rahul was committed on his back foot to play this legbreak and it came a lot slower than he would have anticipated. Chips it straight to covers where the Bangladeshi skipper completes an easy catch. India struggling to get the momentum tonight. Rahul c Mahmudullah b Aminul Islam 15(17) [4s-2]

Aminul Islam to Rahul, THAT’S OUT!! Caught!!6.2

Aminul Islam to Dhawan, 1 run, walks down the wicket and miscues his heave towards mid-wicket, went hard at the flatter delivery but couldn’t middle it as it kept a touch low6.1

Aminul Islam to Dhawan, no run, tossed up delivery by Aminul Islam, Dhawan drives it watchfully to cover

Aminul Islam, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack5.6

Shafiul to Dhawan, 1 run, amazingly timed shot, but it’s straight to the fielder in the deep. Shafiul gives him the pace on this full delivery and although Dhawan flicks it crisply there’s a man stationed near the boundary at square leg. Just 35 runs in the powerplay5.5

Shafiul to Dhawan, no run, Dhawan walks down the pitch to play this one, but Shafiul digs it short. Dhawan can do nothing more than knocking it back to the bowler5.4

Shafiul to Rahul, 1 run, works this one through square leg for one run, sensible5.3

Shafiul to Rahul, FOUR, wristy shot as his bottom hand comes into play. Back of a length delivery around middle, keeps a touch low but Rahul does well to play a nice pick-up shot, it goes aerial and flies over square leg to the fence5.2

Shafiul to Rahul, no run, rides the bounce on this shortish delivery and scythes it to point5.1

Shafiul to Rahul, no run, back of a length around middle and leg, worked into the leg side with a closed bat face

Shafiul Islam [2.0-0-16-1] is back into the attack4.6

Mustafizur to Dhawan, FOUR, Dhawan gets his first boundary in the 5th over of the innings. Not often do we see that. He has also spoilt the over for Mustafizur with this four. Back of a length delivery outside off and the southpaw slices it past the fielder at point and third man who was sprinting across, couldn’t do anything either. Used the pace on the ball to perfection4.5

Mustafizur to Rahul, 1 run, 131kph, on the pads, Rahul nurdles it in front of short mid-wicket and scurries across to the other end. Bangladesh have done well with their variations so far..4.4

Mustafizur to Dhawan, 1 run, knocks the back of a length delivery to Sarkar at covers and takes a single, was a half-stop by the fielder there4.3

Mustafizur to Dhawan, no run, speared around the off-stump line on a good length, cuts into the batsman and Dhawan gets an inside edge on to his pads, was attempting a back foot punch, but he couldn’t middle it4.2

Mustafizur to Dhawan, no run, short and quick outside off, bowled at 134ks by the Fizz with some extra zip off the wicket, Dhawan attempts a square cut, gets beaten due to the bounce though4.1

Mustafizur to Rahul, 1 run, shortish delivery around middle and leg, Rahul hops a touch and works it towards square leg with a closed bat face, steals a run..

Mustafizur Rahman, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

Bangladesh without a specialist left-arm spinner in playing XI
vs SL Colombo RPS 2013 (Test)
vs Pak Abu Dhabi 2018 (ODI)
vs Ind Delhi 2019 (T20I) *3.6

Al-Amin to Rahul, 1 run, a single to end the over. Rahul nudges it into the on side where a short leg would have been. The bowler sprints ahead in his followthrough to gather the ball, but Dhawan is even quicker to make it to the striker’s end3.5

Al-Amin to Rahul, no run, in the channel outside off, this length delivery skids along the deck and Rahul can only get an inside edge to the keeper as he attempts a cut. Al-Amin has looked good so far, has been economical..3.4

Al-Amin to Rahul, no run, Rahul wanted a single here but Dhawan thinks he can’t make it, sends back his partner. Was patted in front of point by the batsman, but he’s unsuccessful in his quest to complete a single3.3

Al-Amin to Dhawan, 1 run, good running between the wickets again, Dhawan is looking a touch anxious tonight. Plays this one with soft hands in front of the keeper and calls for a single, his partner obliges and is quick to hare across3.2

Al-Amin to Rahul, 1 run, glides this back of a length delivery that was seaming away from him to third man3.1

Al-Amin to Dhawan, 1 run, quick single taken. Dhawan walks down the wicket and bat-pads this one in front of the bowler as he miscues his flick. Rahul is quick to hare across to the other end2.6

Shafiul to Rahul, no run, better delivery by Shafiul, nice comeback after conceding that boundary earlier in the over. This one kept a touch low outside off and Rahul gets beaten on his drive, whizzes past his inside edge2.5

Shafiul to Rahul, no run, seaming into the batsman around middle and leg, Rahul plays that awkwardly as he knocks it towards the right side of Shafiul2.4

Shafiul to Rahul, no run, back of a length in the channel outside off and it’s been crunced to cover-point off his back foot, had that been in the gap, would have been another lovely boundary2.3

Shafiul to Rahul, FOUR, beautiful footwork. Lovely trigger movement as he moves towards right and then treks back just at the right time. Connects his cut and bisects point and cover-point, no chance of stopping this2.2

Shafiul to Dhawan, 1 run, straying on the pads, back of a length delivery and it’s been worked through mid-wicket by Dhawan2.1

Shafiul to Rahul, 1 run, back of a length delivery around middle, Rahul transfers his weight on to the back foot and drags it to deep mid-wicket. The ball kept a touch low, but KL did well to connect this one through the leg side1.6

Al-Amin to Dhawan, no run, Dhawan struggling to find the gaps. This one was nicely middled though, the timing was sweet. Came on his front foot and drove it crisply, but couldn’t beat the fielder at mid-off. Just two runs off that over, it’s a good start for Bangladesh1.5

Al-Amin to Rahul, 1 run, 126kph, slower one by Al-Amin, Rahul clips it towards the right of mid-on and opens his account1.4

Al-Amin to Dhawan, 1 run, puts on his dancing shoes and knocks this length delivery to mid-off as he scampers across to the other end1.3

Al-Amin to Dhawan, no run, another fullish ball by Al-Amin, Dhawan drives it neatly but it’s back to the bowler in no time1.2

Al-Amin to Dhawan, no run, takes a forward stride and knocks the length delivery past the bowler. Al-Amin dived to his left to stop it, but he couldn’t do so, parrying it away to mid-on1.1

Al-Amin to Dhawan, no run, pitched on a full length by Al-Amin, in the channel outside off and it’s been driven to the fielder at cover by Dhawan

Lokesh Rahul, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Al-Amin Hossain, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack0.6

Shafiul to Rohit, out Lbw!! Rohit has been adjudged lbw. And after having a chat with Dhawan, he has decided to challenge the onfield call. Looks very close, only height seems to be the concern. Probably umpire’s call, as this has hit him on the back leg. Nothing on UltraEdge, but let’s wait for the hawkeye. Rohit’s heartbeat might have gone a notch higher as he waits anxiously. And as expected, it’s umpire’s call and the batsman will have to make him way back to the pavilion. Was a back of length delivery that seamed into him and went past his defence. Impact in line and it’s clipping the top of middle stump, confirm the replays. So that’s that for Rohit for tonight. Mumbai boy fails to deliver in Delhi. Rohit lbw b Shafiul 9(5) [4s-2]

Shafiul to Rohit, THAT’S OUT!! Lbw!!0.5

Shafiul to Rohit, FOUR, Rohit goes past Kohli, he’s now the highest run getter for India in T20Is. Treks back and punches the length delivery with his elegance through extra cover. Wicket looks good and the outfield – even better0.4

Shafiul to Rohit, no run, fullish delivery by Shafiul, in the channel outside off, Rohit leans forward and creams it beautifully, but he’s failed to pierce the field, finding the man at cover-point0.3

Shafiul to Dhawan, 1 run, Dhawan’s off the mark right away. Dabs the length delivery in front of point and calls for a quick run, Rohit obliges and gets to the striker’s end in a jiffy. Although there’s a direct-hit by Afif, Rohit is well in

Most T20 Internationals for India
99 Rohit Sharma *
98 MS Dhoni
78 Suresh Raina
72 Virat Kohli
58 Yuvraj Singh0.2

Shafiul to Rohit, 1 run, back of a length delivery around middle and leg, Rohit clips it towards mid-wicket with a closed bat face and takes an easy single0.1

Shafiul to Rohit, FOUR, off the mark in Sehwag style. Boundary on the first ball of the innings. Back of a length delivery by Shafiul, strays this one on the pads and Rohit glances it past the man at short fine leg with nonchalance. Great start for India!

Rohit and Dhawan are at the crease. Rohit is on strike. Shafiul will open the attack

Out walk the two dashing Indian openers – Dhawan and Rohit. Playing his 99th T20I match, do we have something special in store from Ro? Let’s find that out. Here we go!

Mayur Bhagwani tweets: “I really hope Shreyas Iyer bats at number four, he is ideally suited to bat at this position.”

Teams:

Bangladesh (Playing XI): Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Naim, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mahmudullah(c), Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Aminul Islam, Shafiul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Al-Amin Hossain

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w), Krunal Pandya, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Deepak Chahar, K Khaleel Ahmed

Rohit Sharma: We would have bowled first as well considering the dew factor here. Our record chasing is good as well. Nevertheless, we want to change ourselves, that has been a concern over the years. Batting first and defending it later. The pitch looks slightly sticky, we need to assess and see what will be a fighting score. We have to win every game, we have to look forward to build a team. This gives us an opportunity to test out few players from the domestic circuit, they have done well. It’s their best chance to grab the opportunity. We are trying to stick with the same combination that we have had in this part of the world. We have three spinners, two medium pacers and we have the debutant Shivam Dube who gives us the extra choice in the middle where he can bowl few overs.

Mahmudullah: We are gonna bowl first. The wicket looks good, so we need to restrict them to as low as we can. It’s a good opportunity for other guys in the team to step up in Shakib and Tamim’s absence. We are going in with four bowlers and one all-rounder. Three quicks and one leg spinner. We have a debutant – Mohammad Naim.

Bangladesh have won the toss and have opted to field

Pitch report: Looks a very hard Kotla wicket, no big cracks or dryness on the track. There’s a hint of green tinge too, hence the ball will come on to the bat nicely. “Don’t think the spinners will get much help from this wicket,” reckons Sunny G. Chasing would be an ideal option with the dew factor coming in, he further adds.

It’s not every day that we talk about anything else on this platform other than cricket. But with cricket being such a widely followed sport in India, it gives us a chance to spread a message. It’s high time we take up the responsibility and try our best to stop polluting the environment. The least we can do is limit our usage of firecrackers. With so many hashtags trending on Twitter, you can make also make #CBHaveYourSay trend with this little message. Send us your insights and we’ll post the best comments/tweet on our comm page. You can also send in your tweets @IamNicck. Stay with us for the toss and teams..

Ironically, India have rested one of their most fittest players, but even in his absence this appears to be a formidable T20I side. With Rohit Sharma in the form of his life having scored nine international centuries this year, there would be a lot of expectations from the stand-in skipper. All eyes would be on Shivam Dube who is making his T20I debut. Bangladesh look deflated in the absence of Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan who was recently banned. However, this gives an opportunity for others in the team to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves. Bangladesh as we all know have come close to the finishing line against India in this format quite a few times, but never have they ever gone past it. 8-0 stands the scoreline. Dominance?

I’ve been scrolling through my Twitter timeline all day long and just moments away from the match, “all I have are ‘polluted’ thoughts.” With hashtags like #DelhiAirEmergency and #DelhiPollution trending that ought to be the case probably. Just looking at these pictures on social media is so disturbing, imagine what the players might go through over the next few hours. This is exactly the same venue where a Test between India and Sri Lanka was interrupted due to hazardous air quality in 2017. Few of the players were also wearing masks while fielding. Although it’s a T20I match tonight, an early finish would be an ideal scenario for the players.

Preview by Akash Sarkar

Halloween may well be over but Delhi has refused to take the mask off. The pollution levels have continued to stay hazardous, partly because of Diwali and partly because of crop-stubble burning, with a health-related emergency declared in the state. The schools are shut till November 5 and outdoor sporting activities are being advised against.

And yet, here we are getting ready for the first T20I between India and Bangladesh. Sourav Ganguly stressed it was too late to move the game, and in defence of the current office-bearers, they could have done very little having taken charge only last week. And now the players, and fans, are at risk despite the several measures being put in place.

Make no mistake, the pollution hits you right from the time you land. By the time you make your way to the terminal building at the airport, you are already struggling with coarse throat which is followed by burning eyes. Bangladesh players did their best to brave the conditions, opting for masks in both training sessions before the match, and their coach did well to not sound like a cranky visitor. India, on the other hand, had one full practice session but opted for an optional one on the eve of the game with pacers, apart from Khaleel Ahmed, giving it a miss. For what it’s worth, the conditions become a lot more bearable in the evening as the pollution levels come down a tad bit.

India have never hosted Bangladesh for a full series and the first time they do so, the welcome has been far from pleasing. From the cricketing point of view, India have players to identify and issues to sort. Rohit Sharma spoke at great length about how the team is trying to work on setting a target. The India captain, though, stressed the focus will be on giving the players the freedom and a certain level of comfort for the team to bag wins. India continue to grapple with the same questions but the unavailability of Virat Kohli opens up a spot for the team to try out more players.

For Bangladesh, as confirmed by Mahmudullah, the focus is on the batting department. The bowling unit is fairly settled and the team will look to quickly identify big-hitters which they have been lacking for a while. None of their batsmen have a strike rate of more than 135 since the last ICC T20 World Cup apart from Liton Das. Needless to say, against a dominant Indian side, they’ll need all the batting firepower they can to challenge the hosts.

What: India vs Bangladesh, 1st T20I, 7pm IST

Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi

What to expect: There was a tinge of grass on the eve of the game and that should mean the wicket will play a lot better. With all the pollution and smog, dew won’t be a massive factor but the teams will prefer to chase.

Team news:

India: Rohit Sharma confirmed one of Shivam Dube or Sanju Samson will play the contest. While Samson had a long session, Dube wasn’t present at the optional net session. The first challenge for the think-tank will be to sort the issue of No. 3 – whether they want to play KL Rahul or keep him as the backup opener. Shreyas Iyer has earned his spot and Rishabh Pant will be the designated ‘keeper.

Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shivam Dube/Sanju Samson, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur/Khaleel Ahmed, Yuzvendra Chahal/Rahul Chahar.

Bangladesh: With Tamim Iqbal out of the tour, Soumya Sarkar and Liton Das are set to open. Al-Amin Hossain should be back in the side to partner Mustafizur while Arafat Sunny is also likely to make a comeback.

Probable XI: Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Mohammad Mithun, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah (c), Mosaddek Hossain, Afif Hossain, Arafat Sunny, Mustafizur Rahman, Al-Amin Hossain, Abu Hider/Taijul Islam.

Did you know?

Rohit Sharma will become the most capped male Indian player in T20Is. He’ll go past MS Dhoni and will play his 99th T20I.

India have won all their eight T20Is against Bangladesh and it’s the second most one-sided rivalry after Pakistan-Zimbabwe.

Post ICC T20 World Cup in 2016, India has a win percentage of 63.83 and Bangladesh have won just 33.33 per cent of their games.

What they said:

“We’ve stuck with Pant and this is the format that gave him a lot of attention. We have to stick with him for a while and see how he performs. There’s a lot time left before we pass any judgment. Sanju has been performing well in the last two years and Shivam has come only last year, which is why people were so keen to buy him. They both have a lot of talent and they both have a lot of abilities” – Rohit Sharma.

“When we first came here, there was a lot of smog. The players have adapted well. It’s not in our control and everyone is fit” – Mahmudullah.

Teams:

Bangladesh (From): Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Naim, Mahmudullah(c), Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Afif Hossain, Aminul Islam, Mohammad Mithun, Mosaddek Hossain, Abu Hider Rony, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Arafat Sunny, Al-Amin Hossain, Taijul Islam

India (From): Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w), Manish Pandey, Krunal Pandya, Deepak Chahar, K Khaleel Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Rahul Chahar, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube