India vs Bangladesh at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore (Super 10, Group 2)
Wicket, wicket, wicket. Nobody has forgotten that incredible last over by Hardik Pandya. That's how one of the most dramatic clashes in this year's World T20 ended after India, a side that looked well dead and buried, rose incredibly from the ashes. An almost teary Bangladesh captain Mortaza later said, "Nobody wants to lose like this."
India were never really in the game. Most of the batsmen got starts and Raina recorded a scratchy 30 as India somehow limped their way to a total of 146. It was below par and the Bangladeshi bowlers have to be given credit for a great performance. They varied their lengths and executed their yorkers perfectly at the death as India never really got going.
In reply, Tamim Iqbal seemed to be in a hurry as he dispatched Bumrah and company to the boundary with gay abandon. Sabbir Rahman and Shakib Al Hasan settled in when during the middle overs and Bangladesh seemed to be well on course of an easy win.
India just hung in there picking wickets and slipping through dot balls to stay in the game. Bumrah who had a horrendous day so far came back well to bowl some superb yorkers and pulled things back by bowling a good 19th over. Yet Bangladesh went into the 20th over with a set Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim, needing just 11 runs for victory.
No one gave India much of a chance as Dhoni threw the ball to Hardik Pandya. It was Indian cricket's Joginder Sharma-moment all over again. Rahim was trying to avoid such an encore as he smashed Pandya for two consecutive boundaries. The second four off the third delivery was a cheeky scoop and Rahim started celebrating early.
With 2 runs off 3 balls, the tournament seemed to be over for India. Rahim and Mahmudullah went for two big shots and got holed out incredibly. Hom missed the last ball and ran for a bye. But Dhoni was already waiting for with an ungloved hand. He sprinted through and took off the stumps just before Mustafizur could make his ground.
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