India is just an inch away to advance to the T20 World Cup semi-finals after edging Bangladesh by five runs in a nail-biting Group 2 match in Adelaide. The match was more thrilling due to inclement weather. At the Adelaide Oval, Virat Kohli hit an unbeaten 64 to keep up his excellent form, while KL Rahul (50) broke his run drought as they led India to a dominant 184/6.
With how the players responded when they were put under pressure, Indian management and their supporters will be pleased. Prior to the rain break, they were carried all over the field, but they improved after that break and bowled and fielded excellently to win this game.
Arshdeep Singh’s excellent bowling towards the end, though, truly sealed the victory after Rahul’s miraculous fielding performance. The Indians’ death bowling, which was a concern before the World Cup but has been excellent so far in this World Cup, also contributed a critical breakthrough.
After a rain delay, Bangladesh had to chase a revised goal of 151 runs in 16 overs. Litton Das (60) appeared to be on track, but his departure caused his team’s momentum to shift, and they ultimately concluded on 145/6. With six points, India climbed into first place in Group 2, one point ahead of South Africa, who had played one fewer game.
IND vs BAN Match Highlights
India scored heavily earlier in the match thanks to half-centuries by KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. Hasan Mahmud got three wickets for Bangladesh, but coming into the second half, India was the clear favourite to win. After a few anxious moments in the second half, they were able to control their jitters, and they are now on course to secure a semifinal position.
Although the Bangladeshi players and their supporters were crying, they were also cheering as Litton Das started running like crazy in this pursuit. Initially, Bangladesh was given a goal of 185 runs, and they got off to an incredible start because to Das’ effortless dismissal of each Indian bowler. The game was eventually cut to 16 overs due to the rain gods’ decision to take centre stage for a while, at which point Bangladesh required 85 runs in 9 overs with 10 wickets in hand.
But just after the interval, Das was run out thanks to a remarkable effort by KL Rahul, and the wickets just started falling after that. In the end, Nurul Hasan did everything he could to get Bangladesh over the finish line, but the Bangla Tigers were once again so close yet so distant.
Read more: Virat Kohli Becomes Highest Run Scorer in T20 World Cup History
